SWOMP

Brett Emmons is stepping into more personal territory with Cabin Fever, the new album from his solo project John Shambles. Released April 30, the album sees the The Glorious Sons frontman move away from the band’s arena-ready rock sound in favour of something looser and more stripped down, blending folk, garage rock and lo-fi alternative influences. Songs like “Fool In The Woods,” “Landmines,” “Try Not To Freak Out” and “New Friends” lean into raw, unpolished songwriting while exploring anxiety, isolation and self-reflection. In a recent interview with SWOMP, Emmons dove into the inspiration behind the project. John Shambles has continued building momentum with recent live shows, including a sold-out performance at Mod Club in Toronto. SWOMP also caught Emmons during his May 9, 2026 show at London Music Hall. More details at https://www.johnshambles.co/.

A new documentary chronicling one of the most influential bands in Filipino music has hit theatres across North America . “Eraserheads: Combo on the Run,” directed by Filipino-American filmmaker Maria Diane Ventura, opened April 24, offering an intimate look at the rise, breakup and reunion of the Eraserheads, a band often described as the “Beatles of the Philippines.” The 102-minute film blends concert-scale storytelling with a closer examination of the personal dynamics between band members Ely Buendia, Raimund Marasigan, Buddy Zabala and Marcus Adoro. It centres on the group’s cultural impact and their 2022 reunion concert, “Huling El Bimbo,” which drew massive audiences and briefly united a politically divided country. SWOMP caught up with Buendia and Ventura for an interview.  Ventura said the project goes beyond music, aiming to capture a broader portrait of Filipino identity during a time of social and political change. “Combo on the Run is not just a documentary about an iconic band,” she said in a statement. “It is a celebration of their journey, their music, and their role in shaping the cultural fabric of the Philippines.” The film positions the band’s story alongside the evolving national landscape, drawing parallels between their internal struggles and a society grappling with division and uncertainty. Formed in 1989 in Quezon City, the Eraserheads rose to prominence in the 1990s with albums such as “Ultraelectromagneticpop!,” “Circus” and “Cutterpillow,” helping define the sound of modern Filipino rock. Their influence has endured decades after their 2001 breakup, with their music continuing to reach global audiences through streaming platforms. Ventura, who has worked across music and film industries in Los Angeles and Berlin, said the documentary also reflects themes of communication and reconciliation. “At its heart, this film is about connection,” she said. “It reflects what happens when people struggle to express themselves, and how difficult yet necessary it is to find a way back to one another.” Produced by Mano Y Mano, Offshore Music and Voyage Studios, the film features a mix of archival footage, behind-the-scenes access and interviews, offering both longtime fans and new audiences insight into the band’s legacy. “Eraserheads: Combo on the Run” started screening in select theatres across North America on April 24. More details are available at https://eraserheadsfilm.com/.

Wage War hit Sick New World with a sharpened edge, arriving in Las Vegas fresh off the release of its new EP It Calls Me By Name. SWOMP spoke with the Florida metalcore band ahead of its evening set, where the focus was firmly on the newly released material and the tour set to launch. The five-track EP leans heavily into the band’s roots, both geographically and sonically, drawing inspiration from the raw intensity of their home state. “It Calls Me By Name is about being drawn to your roots,” the band said. “Five tracks shaped by Florida, the swamp, and the relentless aggression of nature.” That direction is front and centre on lead single “Song of the Swamp,” a track the band describes as the “tone setter” - built on tension, aggression and a relentless, driving force that carries through the release. Wage War - Briton Bond, Cody Quistad, Seth Blake, Chris Gaylord and Stephen Kluesener - has long balanced melody with heaviness, but the new material pushes further into a more punishing sound. The band is currently on the road in support of the EP, with a spring headline run already underway and stops across the United States, including Detroit, Chicago and New York. Follow the band at https://wagewarband.com/.

Chained Saint wasted no time making an impression at Sick New World, opening the Spiral Stage with an early 11:35 a.m. set. The teen metal band brought sharp energy from the outset, quickly sparking a circle pit as early-arriving fans packed in. SWOMP spoke with the band backstage following the set, as the group continues to build momentum well beyond its South Florida roots. Formed in 2022, Chained Saint - Ethan Kahn, Sebastian De Avila, Cameron Cottrell and Sean Sterling - has quickly earned attention across the metal world. The band has been praised by Judas Priest frontman Rob Halford and featured in The New York Times as part of a profile on Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine. Their debut album Blindside, produced by William DuVall of Alice In Chains, leans into a stripped-down approach - recorded to analog tape with no digital shortcuts - capturing a raw, thrash-driven sound. Offstage, the band has been gaining traction through a series of high-profile moments, including a run of Los Angeles shows with clothing brand Affliction, a limited-edition merch collaboration, and the release of a Live at the Whisky a Go Go EP. They’ve also begun breaking into larger festival circuits, appearing at events like Welcome to Rockville and Rocklahoma. After a weather-cancelled set at Louder Than Life, the band still found its moment when Slaughter to Prevail invited Sterling onstage - a connection that has since led to tour opportunities. Follow the band at https://www.chainedsaint.com/. Photo credit: Jack Lue

After guitarist Marcos Curiel shared on social media that a new P.O.D. album was being recorded in Philadelphia, SWOMP got the scoop from the band in an interview following their blistering Sick New World set in Las Vegas, Nevada. On top of finishing a new album, P.O.D. is staying busy throughout 2026 with several festival spots and shows across the United States and Europe. Follow the band at https://payableondeath.com/.

The Dark.FM brought its brooding, electronic-heavy sound to Sick New World, continuing its steady rise with a set in Las Vegas. SWOMP spoke with vocalist Craig Johns after the performance, where the focus turned to the band’s latest single “[zippermouth]” and its new remix collaboration with industrial producer Smash Stereo. The reworked track pushes the band further into darker territory, layering heavier electronics and a colder, more aggressive edge onto the original. “We’ve always just sort of done whatever we wanted,” Johns said, calling “[zippermouth]” the band’s most uncompromising release to date. The Los Angeles group has quickly built momentum, with its debut EP surpassing millions of streams and a growing list of live appearances across North America and Europe. Its Sick New World set is part of that push, with the band also confirmed for the festival’s Dallas edition later this year. Looking ahead, The Dark.FM is set to make its debut aboard ShipRocked 2027, joining a lineup that includes Papa Roach and Ice Nine Kills for the annual cruise festival sailing from Miami in January. Follow the band at https://thedark.fm/.

Snot packed in fans at Sick New World, delivering a tight, high-energy set as the band continues its return to the stage. SWOMP caught up with guitarist Mikey Doling and bassist John Fahnestock after the show, where the conversation quickly turned to the legacy of original frontman Lynn Strait, who died in a 1998 car accident. That history still drives the band — but so does what’s next. Snot has brought in new vocalist Andy Knapp, earning praise as the group pushes forward with fresh momentum. The Las Vegas set followed a Sick New World pre-party alongside P.O.D. and Alien Ant Farm, and comes amid a run that includes a sold-out show at the Whisky a Go Go — a nod to the band’s early days. They’re also back in the studio. “We’ve been writing and recording… the energy has been undeniable,” Doling said, noting multiple new songs are already finished. More details are expected soon. Follow the band on Facebook, here. Photo credit: Jitte Davidson

Following Filter's Green Stage performance at Sick New World in Las Vegas, SWOMP spoke with frontman Richard Patrick about the band’s current run and recent collaborations. Among them is Patrick’s guest appearance on “Blue Sky Mystery,” a recent single from Canadian rock band Finger Eleven, marking the first time the artists have worked together. “Working with Scott, James, Rick, Sean and Steve could not have gone smoother. They are good guys and total pros,” Patrick said. “Recording ‘Blue Sky Mystery’ was a lot of fun.” Filter released The Algorithm: Ultra Edition on Aug. 8 last year, a remixed and expanded version of its recent album featuring additional tracks, remixes and covers. The release includes the single “All The Good,” produced by Patrick alongside longtime collaborator Brian Virtue. Formed in the mid-1990s after Patrick’s stint as a touring guitarist for Nine Inch Nails, Filter broke through with its debut album Short Bus and the single “Hey Man Nice Shot,” followed by further success with Title of Record. Follow the band at https://officialfilter.com/.

Bloodywood continued its rapid ascent on the global metal scene with a high-energy performance on the Diablo Stage at Sick New World. The Indian band’s set at the Las Vegas Festival Grounds showcased its blend of nu metal, metalcore and melodic hard rock, combined with traditional Indian folk elements — a fusion that has helped set the group apart on festival lineups. Following the performance, SWOMP spoke with rapper Raoul Kerr about the band’s momentum and growing international reach. Bloodywood is currently touring behind its latest album Nu Delhi, which serves as a tribute to the band’s home region while expanding on its genre-crossing sound. The group has quickly built a reputation as a standout live act, bolstered by festival appearances and sold-out shows. It has also shared stages with major acts and collaborated with Japanese metal band BABYMETAL on the track “Bekhauf.” Later this year, Bloodywood is set to bring its live show across the United States on its “System of a Brown” tour, marking one of its most extensive runs in the country to date, with support from The Pretty Wild, Ladrones and Ankor on select dates. Follow the band at https://www.bloodywood.net/.

Violent Vira kicked off her 'Our Lady of Sorrows Tour' at Sick New World in Las Vegas on Saturday, April 25, 2026. The Boise, Idaho rock/metal singer-songwriter will travel across the U.S. on the tour, which wraps up in Cincinnati on May 21, 2026. They are also set to go on tour alongside Halestorm in support of BABYMETAL this September. The tour will stop in Canada when they play the RBC Amphitheatre in Toronto on September 7, 2026, plus they'll perform at Pine Knob in Clarkston, Michigan on September 18, 2026. Fresh off their Green Stage set at Sick New World, Violent Vira caught up with SWOMP for an interview. Follow Violent Vira at https://www.violentvira.com/.

Canadian country artist Chad Brownlee released his new single 'Legendary' on April 24, marking what he describes as a shift toward a bigger, more high-impact sound. The track, released via The Orchard, blends Brownlee’s country roots with a rock-driven edge and draws on his past as a professional hockey player. The song is positioned as an arena-ready anthem, capturing the intensity and pressure of high-stakes moments. SWOMP caught up with Brownlee for an interview. Co-written with Jason Blaine and Grammy-winning producer Ben Glover, 'Legendary' focuses on themes of competition and ambition, aimed at both sports audiences and country music fans. Brownlee, originally from British Columbia, began his career in music after being drafted by the Vancouver Canucks and stepping away from professional hockey in 2009. Since then, he has become a mainstay in Canadian country, earning multiple gold and platinum certifications, including for his No. 1 single Forever’s Gotta Start Somewhere.' The release comes as Brownlee prepares for a series of tour dates across Canada, with stops in Alberta, British Columbia and New Brunswick. He also opened for Lee Brice at a show in Abbotsford, B.C., earlier this month. Recent years have seen Brownlee take a more independent approach to his career, building on a catalogue that has generated more than 115 million global streams and millions of views on YouTube. Follow him at https://www.chadbrownlee.com/.

Arkells have released their new album Between Us today, marking the latest chapter for the nine-time Juno Award-winning group as they prepare for an extensive run of live shows across Canada and beyond. The album, released April 17 through Universal Music Canada and Virgin Music Group, was produced and recorded in Los Angeles with Grammy Award-winning producer John Congleton, known for his work with artists including St. Vincent and Death Cab for Cutie. SWOMP caught up with frontman Max Kerman to talk about the album. Between Us features previously released singles “Ride” featuring GROUPLOVE, “Next Summer,” and “Money” featuring Portugal. The Man, alongside the track “What Good?” and the newly released “What’s On Your Mind” featuring Poolside. On the latest single, Kerman said the band aimed to capture a hypnotic, groove-driven feel. “We wanted a song that felt hypnotic—where the chords don’t move much, and the rhythm and melody do all the heavy lifting. It’s my favourite thing about seeing dance music live: how it can loop and loop and loop, and the longer it goes, the better it feels. We went deep into synth-world on this one.” He added: “we toured with Poolside and saw the power of repetition. What restraint can offer to the crowd. The patience of building a song with the groove dictating everything. The song was just about finished when we asked Poolside to add some shine to it all. Our music has ended up in all kinds of places, and we hope this ends up on some dance floors.” The release follows a high-profile performance at the Juno Awards in March, where Arkells performed “Ride” alongside GROUPLOVE in their hometown of Hamilton. In support of the album, the band is embarking on a 2026 tour focused on smaller, more intimate venues, including a series of “city takeovers” across western Canada and multiple nights in Toronto. Many of the shows sold out quickly, with the band revisiting venues they have not played in more than a decade. The North American run begins next week with two sold-out album release shows in Buffalo, N.Y., before continuing through the United States and Canada into the summer. Arkells said the Between Us tour is designed to create “unique experiences in a variety of settings,” emphasizing up-close performances that reflect the band’s long-standing connection with fans. The Hamilton-based group has built a reputation for blending alt-rock, soul, indie and modern R&B influences, while maintaining a focus on communal, high-energy live shows that have helped cement their status as one of Canada’s most recognizable rock acts. Follow the band at https://www.arkellsmusic.com/. Photo Credit: Nathan Nash

As country and metal continue their long flirtation, Devil’s Cut are staking a louder, rowdier claim with their debut album Roadkill. The Louisville band’s first full-length record arrives April 24 via MNRK Heavy, blending metalcore’s weight with country storytelling and imagery. The album’s lead single, “Drink With The Devil,” dropped recently alongside a music video, offering an early look at the group’s high-energy, crossover sound. Singer Trey Landrum said the band’s identity is rooted in both sides of that divide. “We grew up on Tim McGraw and Garth Brooks, but we love Metallica and Pantera,” he said. “We’re metal with hints of country, but we’re doing it differently; fucking with it and making it our own.” SWOMP caught up with Landrum for an interview, where he dives deeper into that balance, the band’s Kentucky roots and how Roadkill came together during a focused writing stint in Nashville with a team of experienced collaborators. The project traces back to a 2018 conversation with manager Cody Ash, who encouraged the band to fully embrace a hybrid of country and heavy music. Early releases, including a 2019 cover of “Tequila” and the 2022 single “Insomnia,” helped build momentum online, leading to millions of streams and touring slots alongside acts spanning both genres. Now rounded out by guitarist Zach McConnell, drummer Trap and bassist Bailey Jones, Devil’s Cut lean into what they call a distinctly Southern identity — one that mixes heavy riffs with twang-inflected vocals and imagery drawn from rural life. Produced by Evan McKeever, Roadkill moves between party-ready anthems and more reflective tracks, a contrast Landrum describes in simple terms. “Roadkill is two totally different ends of the spectrum,” he said. “Either sad, ‘I-want-to-cry’ songs or ‘hey man, I want to have a beer and shoot guns in the woods with my friends!’” The band plans to release a video for every track on the album while spending much of 2026 on the road, continuing to build a fan base drawn to their unfiltered mix of country attitude and metal intensity. Check out their music videos on YouTube, here. Photo Credit: Perri Leigh

Canadian electro-rock duo ROMES say their rapid rise on social media is translating into sold-out rooms across Europe, as they prepare to bring that momentum back home for an April 19 show at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto. “So many people are telling us after the shows that they stumbled across one of our videos on social media and immediately bought a ticket,” stated drummer Nicolas Bitove. “We’ve never played Europe before and never headlined a tour. To see rooms filling up night after night — and in some cities selling out entirely — is honestly blowing our minds.” SWOMP caught up with Nicolas for an interview. The duo, made up of brothers Jacob and Nicolas Bitove, has been touring Europe for the first time while headlining shows that are already nearing or reaching capacity. Despite building their career independently and largely staying outside the traditional music industry machine, the band says the response has been overwhelming. “The European crowds are all showing up in a big way and partying, whether it’s a Saturday night or a Monday. It’s just so cool to see everyone digging the show and we’re extremely grateful for it,” Nicolas said. Their debut album, Sonic Trash, released independently in November 2025, has surpassed 1.5 million streams, driven largely by word of mouth and online discovery. “Everything definitely happened very organically,” Nicolas said. “It probably started a couple of years ago when we began experimenting in our basement studio, integrating gear trying to come up with crazy sounds.” The band’s latest single, “Dissolver,” recently received a remix from Detroit-based EDM artist WIRE ONE, whom the group connected with through Instagram. “We came across each other a few months ago on Instagram due to our shared love for early-2000’s electro,” Nicolas said. “We get a lot of people DMing us wanting to do remixes, etc. but Wire One was maybe the first time where we were like ‘F—! This guy’s got chops.’” He added that the collaboration was an easy decision. “He’s putting a modern twist on the whole bloghouse electro sound and doing it just as good as anyone else these days. So when he asked about remixing ‘Dissolver’ it was a no brainer. His drum production in particular is insane. They smash you right in the face.” The remix release coincides with the band’s first U.S. tour, where they will support New York artist Des Rocs, personally selected by frontman Danny Rocco. “A lot of people are also saying how our show combines so many elements of industrial, electro, punk, big beat, etc. — all the best stuff we grew up on in the 90s,” Nicolas said. “At the end of the day, we’re not trying to sound like anyone else, but we mash up so many of those influences into our own sound.” Before heading out on tour, the band built a global audience through sync placements in television series including The Sex Lives of College Girls, Control Z and CSI: Vegas, as well as major sports and commercial campaigns. Their work also includes a co-write with Mark Foster of Foster the People for the theme to the CBC sitcom Strays. Follow the band at https://romesmusic.com/. Photo credit: Nicolas Bitove

Tyler Joe Miller says his latest single, “Under the Influence,” hits close to home, tapping into the emotional back-and-forth that comes with trying to move on from a past relationship. In an interview with SWOMP, the JUNO Award-nominated country artist described the song as a deeply relatable reflection on the internal struggle between progress and relapse. “‘Under the Influence’ is a song about the inner battle going on when you're trying to get over someone,” Miller said. “It's about wanting to get back to normal and go out and have a good time, but putting up guard rails at the same time, so you don't get sucked back into that cycle.” The track, released March 20 through Sony Music Canada via The Orchard, was written by Gordie Sampson, Kelly Archer, Dylan Guthro and Dave Sampson, and produced by Brad Hill and Guthro. Miller said he immediately connected with the song’s message when he first heard it, pointing to its honest portrayal of how quickly old feelings can resurface. “Just when you think that sober you is over them, sometimes drunk you just isn’t,” he said. The release comes as the Surrey, B.C.-based artist continues a strong run on the Canadian country charts. His single “Doin’ What She Does” recently reached the Top 10, marking his 10th career Top 10 hit. Miller has also picked up two nominations at the British Columbia Country Music Awards this year: Entertainer of the Year and Top Performing Single of the Year. With more than 80 million global streams, Miller said he has spent recent months writing in Nashville and preparing to roll out new material throughout 2026. He is also set to perform at several major festivals this summer, including Boots and Hearts West, Sunfest and South Mountain Fair. Miller first broke through with his 2019 debut single “Pillow Talkin’,” which went gold and reached No. 1 on Canadian country radio. He followed that with another chart-topper, “I Would Be Over Me Too,” becoming the first independent Canadian country artist to hit No. 1 with his first two singles. Beyond music, Miller is also focused on philanthropy through his organization, The Climb Outreach Society, which partners with Hope Of Life International to support housing, education and food security initiatives in Guatemala. His latest EPs, including “Spillin’ My Truth” and “Going Home,” have earned industry recognition, with the latter receiving a JUNO Award nomination for country album of the year. Follow him at https://tylerjoemiller.com/. Photo Credit: Chris Ashlee

Canadian pop singer-songwriter Olivia Penalva is back with a new single that blends romance with introspection, offering listeners a layered take on personal growth. “Distance Makes A Love Story,” released Feb. 13, continues Penalva’s signature approach to emotionally driven, cinematic pop while expanding her sound into new territory. The track follows the themes of her album Spiderwebs, using a romantic narrative to explore the evolving relationship individuals have with themselves. SWOMP caught up with Penalva to discuss the new track. “'Distance Makes a Love Story' is about trying to find your way back to a past flame and realizing the distance might be the thing keeping the feeling alive. It captures the tension of reaching out, wondering if what once felt like home will still recognize you. The song lives in that moment between hope and hesitation, where closing the gap could either change everything or confirm what’s already gone,” Penalva said. The single pairs upbeat pop production with introspective lyrics, incorporating acoustic guitar, piano and layered harmonies alongside unexpected elements like saxophone and a driving drumbeat. The arrangement mirrors the song’s narrative arc, building momentum before pausing in its final moments to reflect on the cost of emotional distance. Penalva, who first charted on Canadian radio at age 13 with “Christmas for Two,” has since developed an international following, amassing more than 620 million global streams and over 17 million YouTube views. Her breakout single “Love Me” reached No. 17 on CHR Mediabase and charted across multiple formats, while follow-up “Ex’s” earned Top 20 positions on Canadian CHR and Hot AC radio and broke into U.S. mainstream pop radio. Follow her at https://www.oliviapenalva.com/. Photo credit: Lee Watkins

Multi-platinum rock band Collective Soul will bring its 30-plus-year catalogue to Windsor later this month, with a show set for March 27 at The Colosseum at Caesars Windsor. SWOMP spoke with bassist Will Turpin ahead of the performance, as the band continues touring into 2026 following a busy anniversary run.  Known for hits including “Shine,” “December” and “The World I Know,” the Atlanta group has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide and earned multiple gold and platinum releases. The band also released its first documentary, Give Me A Word: The Collective Soul Story, in 2025, offering a behind-the-scenes look at its history and creative process. The film was recorded in part at Elvis Presley’s Palm Springs estate during sessions for their latest album. Collective Soul’s Windsor stop is part of its ongoing tour, with no slowdown in sight more than three decades into its career. Follow the band at https://collectivesoul.com/. Photo credit: Jennifer Troche Walsh

Folk-pop singer-songwriter Catie Turner is embracing a new chapter in her music career following her recent appearance at Innings Festival and the release of her latest single, “Hurt You Now.” In an interview with SWOMP, Turner reflected on performing at the Tempe, Arizona festival on Feb. 21, where she played multiple sets, including an appearance on the Home Plate Stage. Known for blending soft, melodic vocals with more intense emotional delivery, Turner first gained widespread attention as a contestant on American Idol and has since released several singles and EPs. She said new music is currently in the works, with additional performances expected in the future. Follow her at https://catieturner.com/.

Canadian rock band The Sheepdogs have released their latest album, Keep Out of the Storm, and are preparing to launch a Canadian headline tour beginning March 13 at the Capitol Theatre in Chatham, Ontario. SWOMP spoke with bassist Ryan Gullen about the new album and the upcoming tour.  The multi-platinum, four-time JUNO Award-winning group shared the new record through their own label, Right On Records. It is the band’s first full-length release since longtime drummer Sam Corbett departed and features a rotating lineup of guest drummers including Trevor Falls, Adam Hindle, Steve Kiely, Jordan Murphy and Dani Nash. Produced by frontman Ewan Currie and recorded with longtime collaborator Thomas D’arcy, the album was created largely between tour dates and captures a live-off-the-floor approach intended to preserve the band’s raw energy. “We are all trying to weather the storms in our lives,” Currie said while discussing the album. “Finding shelter, love, hope. We find all of those in rock and roll. Don’t let the title fool you, this record is full of light, love, guitars that rip, and sweet singing that moves you.” Alongside the release, the band also unveiled a new video for the track “Bad for Your Health,” which takes aim at modern digital excess and media saturation while leaning on classic rock influences. The album follows a busy period for the Saskatoon-based group. In 2025, The Sheepdogs completed a sold-out cross-Canada arena tour supporting Bryan Adams, released the companion EPs Paradise Alone and Hell Together, and launched their independent label. Their single “Take Me For A Ride” also ranked among the most-played rock songs on major radio charts last year. Keep Out of the Storm also highlights guitarist Ricky Paquette’s expanding role in the band’s sound, adding new guitar tones and vocal harmonies while maintaining the group’s signature classic-rock style. To support the release, The Sheepdogs will embark on an extensive Canadian tour beginning in Ontario and continuing across the country before additional international dates later in the year. Follow the band at https://thesheepdogs.com/. Photo credit: Mat Dunlap

Rising Canadian country artist Sully Burrows is carrying strong momentum into 2026, following a breakout year that included new music, major tour opportunities and a growing national profile. The Parry Sound, Ont., singer-songwriter recently spoke with SWOMP about life on the road, his debut EP and what fans can expect next as his career continues to build.  Burrows said the start of 2026 has already been eventful, highlighted by his recent run of dates supporting Jade Eagleson on the “Coming Soon to a Honkytonk Near You Tour.” The cross-border tour saw Burrows perform in cities across Canada and the United States. Among the more memorable moments on the tour were on-stage collaborations with Eagleson, including a lighthearted performance that saw Burrows sharing the stage in a life jacket while holding a fishing pole. The tour followed a busy stretch for Burrows, who on Oct. 10, 2025 released his debut EP, Somewhere in a Small Town. The project, which arrived just days before his 19th birthday, features a collection of songs that highlight his small-town roots and personal experiences. Since signing with Partners Record Label in 2024, Burrows has steadily released music including “Youth,” “Think of Me” and his debut radio single “Rally Around,” which reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Canada Country chart. Looking ahead, Burrows is set to perform at the Cavendish Beach Music Festival in July, one of Atlantic Canada’s largest outdoor country music events. The 2026 lineup includes headliners HARDY, Tucker Wetmore and Cody Johnson. Burrows is scheduled to perform on the Friday bill alongside artists including Margo Price and Matt Lang. Reflecting on his path into music, Burrows said he first got his start through piano lessons as a child before eventually finding his voice as a singer and gravitating toward country music. Influenced by artists such as Riley Green, Zach Bryan and Conner Smith, he said he was drawn to honest songwriting and storytelling. With his debut EP still fresh, Burrows confirmed he is continuing to work on new material, with fans able to expect more music in 2026 as he builds on the foundation of the past year. He is also set to join High Valley as an opening act on the Paradise & Hurricanes tour, which begins in Chatham, Ont., on March 4. Follow him at https://sullyburrows.com/.

Eve 6 performed their first show of the year on the final day of Innings Festival 2026 in Tempe, Arizona, blending self-aware humour with late ’90s alternative rock nostalgia. Frontman Max Collins quickly set the tone, playfully sizing up the crowd and the band’s place in the “late ‘90’s radio rock” era. “Do you like alternative rock? Do you like late ‘90’s radio rock?” Collins asked. “That’s good enough for me.” Reflecting on their roots, Collins joked about the band’s usual setting compared to a major festival stage. “Coming from the ‘late 1900’s’,” he said, Eve 6 is used to playing in “300 seat, windowless rooms. “So this is wonderful for us to get to experience. We don’t want you guys to get nervous and weird about it, we are going to play a couple new songs. And they go by quick because at this stage, we’ll call it a career, what we’re kind’ve doing with regard to new music is kind’ve LARPing as a punk band in a vacuum. So these songs clocked in at about two minutes, fifteen seconds.” The band launched into ‘Black Nova’ from their 2021 EP grim value, before pivoting back to their early catalogue with a tongue-in-cheek warning about aging . “I want to prep you guys psychologically for just how old this song is. Just eyeballing the room real quick, doing a quick scan, you guys think we’re in the elder Millennial demographic, here? This song is so old that it might just confirm your worst fears about yourselves as they might relate to the passage of time and mortality.” They followed with ‘Leech’ from their 1998 self-titled debut. Throughout the set, Collins continued to riff with the crowd, mixing sarcasm and sharp wit - even joking about the band’s onstage “made up language” and calling out diehard rock show skeptics before introducing ‘Think Twice’. “We’re not trying to exclude you guys with our made up language. We’re trying to spare you. When we need to have green room conversations on the stage, we do it in our made up language. That’s what was going on here. If your natural state at the rock show, no judgement being passed here at all because it’s in fact mine too, is to stand there, arms crossed, brow furrowed, effecting kind’ve a mean countenance, waiting for the band to clam so you can look at your lady and be like ‘the bass player just played that part a half step flat, haha, you suck.’ First of all, an extra special welcome to you. We’re spiritually connected I feel. Also, this is your song, this is a hard boiled alternative rock song. This is some Raymond Chandler-esque alternative rock we’re about to do for you guys. Furrow your fucking brows.” After teasing a newer track, the band skipped it and performed one of their most recognizable songs. “This song may have been your graduation song.” They then played ‘Here’s to the Night’ before closing out the set with their biggest hit. “Thanks for remembering who we were if you did or sticking around if you were like ‘I’ve never heard of them.’ This is our last song, we pull no punches. We save it for last, why sweet pea? I’ll tell you why, it’s because it’s the heart in a blender song, dude.” The band finished with ‘Inside Out’. SWOMP caught up with the band for an interview backstage following their set.

Artikal Sound System performed on the Right Field Stage at Innings Festival 2026 in Tempe, Arizona on Sunday, February 22, delivering an engaging early set that quickly drew the crowd in. SWOMP caught up with singer Logan Rex and drummer Adam Kampf backstage following the performance. The band spoke about feeding off the energy of the audience during their set — getting fans involved with singalongs and even a coordinated dance — while embracing the opportunity to win over new listeners on a major festival stage. Hailing from South Florida, the group also reflected on their origins and evolution, coming together over years of collaboration to build a tight, groove-driven sound rooted in reggae, rock and jazz influences. The conversation also touched on their latest full-length album Are You Smiling Yet?, along with the recent release of Sugarshack Sessions Vol. 3, and what’s next as they continue to build momentum with new music and touring. Follow the band at https://artikalsoundsystem.com/.

Common People kicked off the Home Plate Stage on the final day of Innings Festival in Tempe, Arizona on Sunday, February 22, 2026, becoming the first band to take the festival’s main stage. Fresh off their set, SWOMP caught up with the band backstage in their trailer. The group reflected on playing their first-ever music festival - a milestone moment - and the energy of opening the main stage on the final day of a packed weekend. They also spoke about rolling with the unexpected on stage, embracing the live moment and pushing forward when things don’t go exactly as planned. Formed in a basement in Southern California, the five-piece - made up of members from across the U.S. - built their sound through constant jamming, local shows and a shared love of guitar-driven rock rooted in garage, indie and psychedelia. Their early demos eventually caught the attention of Brad Shultz of Cage The Elephant, leading to a record deal on his Parallel Vision label in partnership with Big Loud Rock. In the interview, the band also discussed their musical influences, the momentum from a string of recent singles and what fans can expect from their upcoming debut EP. Looking ahead, Common People are set to hit the road for a series of shows, including dates supporting Rainbow Kitten Surprise and fellow rising act Congress The Band - continuing what’s shaping up to be a breakout year. Common People is comprised of Nicky Winegardner (vocals), Cormac Cadden (drums), Konrad Ulich (bass, vocals), Asher Thomson (guitar), and Sam Belzer (guitar). Follow the band at https://www.commonpeopleofficial.com/. Photo credit: Kate Lamendola

The Ramona Flowers played the Right Field Stage on the final day of Innings Festival 2026, delivering an energetic set that helped set the tone early. SWOMP caught up with the band in their trailer following the performance. The group spoke about the rush of opening the final day - with their pounding kick drum already grabbing attention from across the grounds - and what it meant to be part of the Innings Festival lineup. The conversation also touched on their latest album Made By Humans, released in October 2025, including standout tracks like 'Up All Night,' which features Nile Rodgers, and 'Human,' a track that carries an uplifting, communal feel. Connect with the band, here.

Former Major League Baseball pitcher, World Series champion, All-Star and Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ryan Dempster took some time out of his busy schedule at Innings Festival 2026 in Tempe, Arizona to chat with SWOMP. Dempster, who leads “Off The Mound” - a late night-style talk show featuring MLB stars past and present alongside personalities from across sports and entertainment - once again brought his show on the road throughout the festival weekend. The Gibsons, British Columbia native conducted live interviews from the Left Field Stage with members of Sublime, OK Go, Public Enemy, Vertical Horizon and Eve 6, along with several former and current Major League Baseball players. SWOMP caught up with Dempster to touch on a range of topics, including the opening day energy at Innings Festival, the preparation behind “Off The Mound,” the crossover between music and baseball, his transition into broadcasting and hosting, and his connection with fellow performers like Eddie Vedder. A 16-year MLB veteran, Dempster played for the Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox. He was a two-time All-Star, World Series champion and recipient of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Tip O’Neill Award before being inducted into the Hall in 2019. Today, he remains a prominent voice in the game as an analyst with MLB Network and Marquee Sports Network, while continuing to evolve “Off The Mound” into one of the most unique crossover shows in sports and entertainment. More details are available at https://offthemound.com/.

Congress The Band are quickly moving beyond their roots as a cover band in Charleston, and their early set at the Innings Festival showed a group stepping confidently into a new chapter. Sporting matching baseball jerseys, the band brought a mix of indie and Southern rock to the Right Field Stage, setting the tone for the opening day crowd with a high-energy performance. “This is our first time playing in Arizona,” vocalist William Bennett told the audience. “We’re so happy to be here.” The set highlighted the band’s evolution, as they prepare to release a slew of new original music, including their latest single “Bay Street.” SWOMP caught up with the band shortly after their performance to talk about their Innings debut, their transition from cover band to emerging artists, and what’s ahead for the rest of the year. Follow the band at https://congresstheband.com/.

Avril Jensen once dreamed of becoming an astronaut or a screenwriter. Instead, the Quebec singer-songwriter found her calling in music — a path she describes as written in the stars. Jensen, who performs in both French and English, is building her career beyond Quebec and will celebrate the one-year anniversary of her debut album Is Any of This Real? with a special show March 27, 2026 at Drake Underground. SWOMP caught up with Jensen for an interview. Following an independent approach, Jensen’s pop sound sits at the intersection of acoustic and electronic music. She views each of her songs as a short story, using her music as a playground for narrative exploration. The anniversary performance highlights a breakthrough year for the young artist. Jensen earned three nominations at the GAMIQ (Gala alternatif de la musique indépendante du Québec), including Breakthrough Artist (Révélation), Indie Pop Album for Is Any of This Real?, and Self-Produced Music Video for the visual companion to “i might jump out of the car.” She is also a recipient of the SOCAN Foundation Young Songwriter Award. Jensen has received early media support from CBC, Billboard Canada, BrooklynVegan and La Presse, among others. Follow her at avriljensen.com. Photo credit: Camille Gladu-Drouin

Canadian country star Jade Eagleson is bringing his first-ever headlining North American tour to London Music Hall on Feb. 9 (tickets, here), marking a key Southwestern Ontario stop on the fast-rising artist’s “Coming Soon to a Honky Tonk Near You” run. The London date lands near the end of a coast-to-coast tour that traced Eagleson’s journey from Western Canada through the U.S. Midwest and back home to Ontario. It will come just days after a Toronto performance at The Opera House and ahead of shows in Ottawa and Montreal, before the tour wraps in Peterborough, 20 minutes from his hometown of Bailieboro, in a sold-out finale on Feb. 14. SWOMP caught up with Eagleson for an interview about the tour. At 31, Eagleson has quickly established himself as one of the most consistent hitmakers in Canadian country music, while openly championing a neo-traditional sound rooted in classic country storytelling. Since the release of his self-titled debut album in 2020, Eagleson has amassed more than 335 million global streams and over 130 million YouTube views. The album produced four GOLD-certified and two PLATINUM-certified singles. His follow-up releases have continued that momentum. Eagleson has earned five No. 1 singles at Canadian country radio, with multiple GOLD and PLATINUM certifications across his sophomore album and his latest release, Do It Anyway, which includes two GOLD and one PLATINUM-certified tracks. Industry recognition has followed. Eagleson was named Entertainer of the Year and Male Artist of the Year at the 2023 Canadian Country Music Association Awards, won Album of the Year in 2024, and most recently took home Male Artist of the Year again at the 2025 CCMA Awards. Earlier this year, he also earned his fourth JUNO Award nomination. Raised on a family farm near Bailieboro, Eagleson stepped away from farm life in 2017 to pursue music full-time. Since then, his career has taken him well beyond Ontario, including performances for troops in Norway and a debut appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in October 2024. Following the conclusion of this tour, he is set to head overseas to perform at C2C Festival in Berlin, Germany, in March 2026. Eagleson also confirmed that new music is on the way this year, with material that builds on his traditional influences while reflecting his rapid growth as a headlining artist. The “Coming Soon to a Honky Tonk Near You” tour kicked off Jan. 22 in Spokane, Washington, and also included stops in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Minneapolis and Chicago. Follow him at https://www.jadeeagleson.com/. Photo credit: Bree Fish

Washington-based country singer and songwriter CJ Hooper is drawing on his Texas roots for his second album, Over Yonder, set for release Feb. 6, 2026. SWOMP caught up with CJ for interview to discuss his new album.  Music has been a constant in Hooper’s life, from childhood piano lessons to picking up the guitar in his early teens. He grew up listening to classic country artists such as Hank Williams, Merle Haggard and the Charlie Daniels Band, shaping the traditional yet personal sound that defines his music today. After graduating from Texas A&M University, Hooper immersed himself in the Texas live music scene, influenced by artists including Jason Boland, Cory Morrow, Mike McClure, Pat Green and Todd Snider. He later worked across several states in golf course maintenance before settling in western Washington, drawn by cooler summers and access to the outdoors. Songwriting soon became a serious pursuit, leading Hooper to record his own material. Over Yonder follows his 2025 debut album, Primero, and shows his continued evolution as a songwriter, balancing creative exploration with the simple joy of bringing a song to life. More information is available at cjhoopermusic.com.

Canadian country artist Kelsi Mayne is opening a raw and reflective new chapter with the release of her latest single, 'For The Record', a song she says unpacks one of the most complicated periods of her life. The track, released as Mayne closed out 2025 and stepped into 2026, draws from the aftermath of a broken engagement and the intense relationship that followed. In an interview with SWOMP, Mayne said the song traces a whirlwind romance that began only months after calling off her wedding, evolving quickly through grand promises and a sense of fate she wasn’t prepared for but wanted to trust. As the relationship deepened, Mayne learned her partner was struggling with alcohol addiction, a reality that ultimately unravelled what had felt like a perfect connection. She said she tried to support his path to sobriety before stepping back so he could focus on himself. He did get sober, she said, but also moved on with someone new. “This song came from a place I never expected to be in again,” Mayne said. “I walked into something that felt safe and fated and it ended up breaking me in ways I didn’t see coming. Writing this helped me make sense of it all — the heartbreak, the confusion and the lessons I didn’t want but probably needed. If nothing else, at least it was good for the record.” For the record was mixed and mastered by Scott Cooke of Local Hay Records and Big Loud Records. The song weaves Mayne’s trademark storytelling with subtle references to the walls of Jericho and Fleetwood Mac’s Silver Springs, grounding her personal heartbreak in familiar symbols of collapse, truth and closure. Mayne said those references emerged naturally as she worked through the experience, drawing on stories and music that resonated with what she was feeling. The single builds on the momentum of Someone who knows and caps what Mayne describes as one of her strongest years to date. With the release, she closes out 2025 and looks ahead to 2026 with a new album in the works and a live show that continues to connect with audiences across Canada. Mayne, who is from Windsor, Ont., has built a national following for her emotionally driven songwriting and blend of country with R&B, Motown, pop and rock influences. She has surpassed three million streams, earned a Top 50 single at Canadian country radio with Breaking bad, and performed at major festivals including Boots and Hearts, Cavendish Beach Music Festival and the Calgary Stampede. A two-time CMA Ontario Female Artist of the Year and Rising Star nominee, she continues to receive industry recognition and playlist support as she enters the next phase of her career. Follow Kelsi at https://kelsimayne.com/.

A 19-year-old Canadian fiddler continues to make waves on the national folk scene, with Irish Millie earning a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination for Single of the Year and recognition as a nominee for Folk Music Ontario’s 2025 Performing Artist of the Year. SWOMP caught up with Millie to discuss the recognition. Millie received the Single of the Year nomination for “You Were There,” a standout track from her EP Between Then and Now. The honour marks her seventh Canadian Folk Music Award nomination and her fifth consecutive nod for Young Performer of the Year, a category in which she has been recognized every year since releasing her debut album Thirteen in 2021. The Peterborough native released Between Then and Now on July 6, 2025, via LaunchPad Records. The four-track EP highlights her continued artistic growth, blending East Coast fiddle drive, bluegrass energy, and contemporary traditional influences. “You Were There,” co-written with Matthew Cicciarella, features Millie on fiddle and vocals alongside Cicciarella on guitar, with additional electric guitar and string arrangements by producer Tyler Martin. Produced by Martin at Electric Alchemy and mastered by Gregory Pastic, the single showcases Millie’s ability to craft emotionally resonant songs that respect folk traditions while exploring new textures. Other tracks on the EP, including “Allison,” “Mystery to Me,” and “WASTED,” further demonstrate her range, from stripped-down fiddle-and-guitar arrangements to fuller productions incorporating piano and drums. A multi-instrumentalist who performs on fiddle, vocals, piano, guitar, and foot percussion, Millie has built a distinctive sound that has resonated with audiences across Canada, the United States, and Europe. Her previous album GRACE drew praise from Celtic music standouts Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, who described it as “fresh, lively… cool tunes and great playing.” FolkWorld Magazine’s Alex Monaghan has highlighted the passion and energy at the heart of her music, citing its sense of fun, fire, and feeling. Millie recently wrapped up her second East Coast Holiday Tour with long-time collaborator Luka Hall, performing a series of intimate Ontario shows between late December and early January. The annual holiday run has become a growing tradition, pairing Millie’s Celtic folk fiddle style with Hall’s acoustic songwriting and emphasizing storytelling, collaboration, and audience participation. A past Peterborough Folk Festival Emerging Artist of the Year and recipient of the Peterborough Civic Award for Community Betterment for her “Fiddling for Fox” campaign, Millie is currently studying Music Industry and Technology at the University of Toronto while continuing to tour and record. She is supported on stage by her father, Murray Shadgett, on guitar. Planning is underway for a broader tour in July 2026, with dates expected across Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Follow her at https://irishmillie.ca/. Photo credit: Mary Payne

CMAOntario-nominated duo Amanda & James are set to return on Feb. 6 with their new single “Comeback,” a playful, harmony-driven release arriving via Symphonic Music. The track follows a breakout year for the fast-rising Canadian country act and continues to build momentum as they emerge as one of the genre’s most talked-about new duos. SWOMP caught up with the duo for an interview. “Comeback” is described as a definitive breakup anthem, centred on closing the door for good rather than reopening old chapters. Written by Sam Daviau, Ali Dutton and Joey DePaiva, the song immediately resonated with the duo, who were drawn to its cheeky confidence and nostalgic edge. Amanda & James bring the track to life with their signature blend of bluesy melodies, bouncy grooves and the tight, soaring harmonies that have become a hallmark of their sound. The single was produced by Matt Koebel, a CMAOntario and CCMA nominee, with mixing and mastering handled by seven-time JUNO nominee Brandon Unis. Sonically, the song leans into hook-heavy country-pop energy while lyrically celebrating the freedom that comes with walking away for good, firmly shutting the door on any idea of a reunion. The new release follows a standout year for the pair, who were recently nominated for Group or Duo of the Year at the 2025 CMAOntario Awards. Amanda Kind, from White Rock, B.C., and James Downham, originally from Pembroke with ties to Picton and Stratford, Ont., have built a reputation for dynamic live performances and strong audience connection. Their ongoing success includes the fan-favourite show Time of My Life: The Greatest Duets in Concert, which has helped grow their national profile. “Comeback” is available Feb. 6. More information about Amanda & James can be found at amandaandjamesmusic.com.

Canadian-born, Nashville-based country artist Drew Taylor is continuing his steady rise with the release of the music video for his latest single “MAKERS,” unveiled via All Country News. The song leans into the slow burn of unexpected chemistry, drawing a vivid parallel between falling in love and savoring a good whiskey, where each moment lingers and deepens with time. SWOMP caught up with Taylor for an interview to discuss the track. “MAKERS” arrives at a pivotal moment for Taylor, who recently signed with independent label T&L Records Nashville and is building momentum off a growing catalog of streaming and chart success. The single is positioned as the start of a new chapter, with more music on the way and an audience that continues to expand on both sides of the border. Born in Waterloo, Ont., Taylor’s path to country music was anything but typical. Raised around music through his father, who played alongside country icons such as George Strait and Kenny Rogers, Taylor still found himself fronting a screamo band in Canada, sharing stages with acts like Underoath and Atreyu. For years, music competed with other responsibilities, including work as a firefighter and entrepreneur, before he committed fully to songwriting and performing. That commitment has translated into tangible results. In 2022, Taylor earned wildcard winner honours at the Boots & Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase, performing on the festival’s Front Porch stage. The following year, his single “Wish I Didn’t” reached No. 1 on SiriusXM’s Top of the Country. In early 2025, “Nobody I Know” continued the upward trajectory, surpassing a quarter-million streams on Spotify and cementing his place among Canada’s most promising country exports. Songs such as “Music To My Beers” and “Get The Truck Outta Here” have further showcased Taylor’s blend of modern country production and sharp, relatable lyrics, with several tracks finding a home on the Music Row Country Breakout Chart. Along the way, he has shared the stage with artists including Tanya Tucker, Kane Brown, Paul Brandt and Cory Marks, gaining experience that has shaped his confident, road-tested sound. Despite the accolades and growing profile, Taylor remains grounded in his approach to songwriting. Connecting with listeners has always been the priority. “If a song touches somebody, then I’ve done my job,” he said, a philosophy that continues to guide his work. With “MAKERS,” Drew Taylor reinforces that his rise has been built patiently and deliberately, honoring the traditions of country music while pushing its edges forward. As new music looms, the proof, as the song suggests, is in the pour. Follow https://www.drewtaylorofficial.com/ for all the latest updates. Photo credit: Allen Clark

Canadian Roots and Soul vocal collective AV & the Inner City are turning inward on their new single, “Dinner With the Lord,” an acapella track that reflects on where people seek comfort during times of uncertainty. Released Nov. 21, the song is a stripped-down acapella interpretation of a composition by fellow Edmonton porch-concert musician Alin Rogoz. It marks the first recording by the group that was not written by founder Ann Vriend, known professionally as AV. SWOMP caught up with AV for an interview. Recorded live around a single microphone, “Dinner With the Lord” features no edits, isolation or studio enhancements. The approach places the focus squarely on vocal blend, trust and shared intuition, drawing on gospel, soul and roots influences without leaning into traditional religious framing. The song explores themes of faith, memory, community and connection, inviting listeners to consider what they reach for when familiar sources of support feel out of reach. Rather than offering resolution, the track creates space for reflection and shared experience. AV & the Inner City formed during the COVID-19 pandemic on a front porch in Edmonton’s McCauley neighbourhood, where weekly outdoor singalongs were held to maintain connection during lockdowns. Those gatherings evolved into an all-female vocal ensemble representing Indigenous, Black, Filipino, LGBTQ, immigrant and working-class voices. The group’s self-titled debut EP, released in October, has gained national attention and is currently ranked No. 7 on the CKUA Radio Top 30. The release has also received support from CBC, SiriusXM, Edify and Porter Airlines Magazine. “Dinner With the Lord” serves as the closing track on the EP, bringing the project full circle by echoing the communal porch-singing roots that first brought the ensemble together. In just three years, AV & the Inner City have completed a summer tour and appeared at major festivals including the Calgary Folk Festival, Vancouver Island Music Festival and Edmonton Folk Festival, where they received an Emerging Artist Award. Follow the group at https://www.avandtheinnercity.ca/. Photo credit: Lulubee Photography

Canadian folk-country band School House will release their new single, Live While I’m Alive, on Jan. 16 across all major streaming platforms, marking the next chapter for the fast-rising group as they prepare for a national tour and their second full-length album. Band member Joel Ryan says the song reflects the tension of modern adulthood, touching on financial stress, self-doubt and the uncertainty that often defines a quarter-life period. Rather than offering easy solutions, Live While I’m Alive leans into imperfection, encouraging listeners to let go of constant comparison and focus on living in the present. The single arrives ahead of School House’s highly anticipated sophomore album, Homeland, scheduled for release on Feb. 27, 2026. Formed in 2021 after three best friends moved into a century-old schoolhouse together, the band quickly gained attention for its harmony-driven sound and songwriting rooted in late-night, campfire-style sessions. Since then, School House has built steady national momentum, winning the 2025 Boots and Hearts Emerging Artist Showcase and earning Group of the Year at the 2024 Ottawa Music Awards. Their debut release was also named Album of the Year by Faces Magazine. The band is signed to the Paquin Agency for live representation and has toured with the Strumbellas, opened for Alan Doyle, and continued to expand its presence on stages across the country. To support the new single and upcoming album, School House will join Braden Lam on the “Freewheelin’ Field Trip” tour in March 2026, with stops throughout Atlantic Canada, Quebec and Ontario. Tour dates include: March 5 – Halifax, N.S. – Seahorse Tavern March 6 – Truro, N.S. – Marigold Cultural Centre March 7 – Miramichi, N.B. – New Maritime Beer March 8 – Charlottetown, P.E.I. – The Guild March 10 – Moncton, N.B. – Xeroz Arcade Bar March 11 – Fredericton, N.B. – The Cap March 13 – Quebec City, Que. – L’Anti March 14 – Ottawa, Ont. – Overflow Brewing March 15 – Kingston, Ont. – Broom Factory March 18 – St. Catharines, Ont. – Warehouse March 19 – Toronto, Ont. – Rivoli March 20 – Windsor, Ont. – Meteor March 21 – London, Ont. – London Brewing Company March 22 – Kitchener, Ont. – Boathouse Follow the band at https://schoolhouseband.com/. Photo credit: Cam Forrester

Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, pianist and broadcaster Laila Biali has earned her first Grammy nomination, landing in one of the ceremony’s most closely watched categories. Biali is nominated for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album alongside Brandi Carlile, Elton John, Lady Gaga, Barbra Streisand, Jennifer Hudson and rising star Laufey, placing the Canadian artist in rarefied company and bringing new international attention to her latest work. SWOMP caught up with Biali for an interview.  The nomination recognizes Wintersongs, an album inspired by and written at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity. Biali has a long-standing relationship with the Banff Centre, and that connection is woven deeply into the record. Much of the album was written during a winter residency in the Rocky Mountains, where she worked from a quiet cabin surrounded by snow-covered peaks. The setting shaped both the mood and scope of the music, which moves with a cinematic sense of space, reflecting winter light, drifting snow and the stillness of Banff’s landscape. What makes the nomination particularly notable is how it came about. The album was initially submitted in the jazz category, but the Recording Academy moved it into Traditional Pop, a decision that immediately placed Biali alongside global icons and significantly effected the album’s visibility. The category itself has recently been highlighted by Billboard for its growing influence, adding further weight to the nomination. While Biali is a well-established and respected artist in Canada, her profile in the United States has been comparatively modest. For an independent Canadian artist to receive Grammy recognition for a project so closely tied to a Canadian winter landscape stands out, especially in a category often dominated by major international stars. The response suggests that the themes and atmosphere of Wintersongs have resonated beyond borders, connecting with American Grammy voters through its craft and emotional clarity. The recognition also arrives at a busy moment for Biali. She is set to return to Banff in mid-December to begin work on a new project, Dreamland: The Canadian Songbook Reimagined, which explores iconic Canadian material through a contemporary lens. She has also released a new holiday single, an extended version of “Joy to the World,” adding a timely seasonal chapter to an already landmark year. With her first Grammy nomination now secured, Biali’s Wintersongs stands as both a personal milestone and a broader moment for Canadian music, demonstrating how a project grounded in place and season can find an audience on the world’s biggest stage. Follow her at https://lailabiali.com/. Photo credit: Chris Nicholls

HEALTH have never been a band to sugarcoat the state of things, but their new album CONFLICT DLC—out today on Loma Vista Recordings—might be their most direct confrontation yet with the emotional fallout of living online, living overwhelmed, and living through a world that feels permanently tilted toward chaos. The Los Angeles industrial trio have spent nearly two decades expanding, exploding, and mutating the boundaries of heavy music. With CONFLICT DLC, they deliver 12 tracks that feel like the next evolutionary jump in their ongoing descent: hyper-charged industrial metal, dense digital noise, bleakly funny lyricism, and a maximalist aesthetic that hits like a steel-toothed synthwave cyclone. SWOMP caught up with bassist John Famiglietti for an interview to discuss the album. Where 2023’s RAT WARS leaned into corrosive hooks and “cum metal” absurdism, CONFLICT DLC sharpens everything, emotionally, sonically, and thematically. Produced again by STINT, with mixing from Drew Fulk (WZRD BLD) and Lars Stalfors, the album pushes the band’s cinematic heaviness into an even more concentrated blast radius. It’s an album built for a fanbase the band affectionately describes as “a coalition of subcultures”, memelords, heavy-music obsessives, digital weirdos, and everyone drawn to the catharsis of beautiful noise. Jake Duzsik’s lyrics roam familiar territory, depression, compulsion, anxiety, but now framed in the hyper-digital exhaustion of 2025’s doomscroll culture. “No, it’s not just your imagination. The future is shit and the phone you are reading this on is making it worse,” he deadpans in the album’s announcement, capturing the tone of CONFLICT DLC perfectly: devastating truths delivered with a smirk, wrapped inside earth-splitting industrial arrangements. Despite the emotional weight, this is one of the band’s most purely enjoyable albums—a slate of “sad bangers for the end times,” designed as much for release as it is for reflection. Before the album’s arrival, HEALTH dropped “ORDINARY LOSS,” their heaviest opener yet. With serrated riffs, suffocating textures, and Duzsik’s grim mantra - “The dead are blessed with no dreams”- the track announced CONFLICT DLC as a ferocious new chapter. It’s an intimidating start, but undeniably gripping. HEALTH are currently in South America on Pierce the Veil’s massive I Can’t Hear You World Tour, with dates across Bogota, Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and São Paulo. In the spring, they’ll return to North America with a run of mixed U.S. and Canadian stops. Canadian dates include: April 4 - Vancouver, BC - Vogue Theatre April 14 - Toronto, ON - History April 15 - Montreal, QC - MTelus Full details and additional tour dates are available at youwillloveeachother.com. Photo credit: Mynxii White

Canadian rock legends Lighthouse are revisiting one of their most celebrated works with the release of One Fine Morning (Anniversary Edition), arriving Nov. 7 through Anthem Records. The release marks the first time the platinum-selling album has been fully remixed, remastered and expanded. It will be available on limited-edition three-colour-splatter vinyl, sun/moon vinyl, double CD and digital formats. SWOMP caught up with founding member Paul Hoffert for an interview to discuss the release. Originally released in 1971, One Fine Morning helped establish Lighthouse as one of Canada’s most innovative and influential bands, known for fusing rock, jazz and classical elements into a distinctive sound. The title track became a radio staple and remains one of the country’s most recognizable rock anthems. “When we chat with our new and younger audiences at concerts and on social media, they ask for records and streaming of Lighthouse’s classic hits along with ‘extras’ that provide personal and historical perspective,” said Hoffert. “This anniversary edition provides both. In 1970, producer Jimmy Ienner and lead singer Bob McBride helped focus our music, lyrics and orchestral rock into a more broadcast-friendly format that attracted a much wider fan base. We hope listeners enjoy hearing these songs and demos as much as we loved making them.” The anniversary edition includes a remixed and remastered version of the original album, as well as unreleased material such as “All God’s Children,” a previously unheard song from the 1970 sessions co-written by Larry Smith and Academy Award-winning composer Howard Shore. Other highlights include demo versions of “One Fine Morning” and “Sing, Sing, Sing” with drummer Skip Prokop on lead vocals, a CBC live performance of “World’s Biggest Rock & Roll Band,” and several early takes of songs that would later define the Lighthouse sound. Each track captures the band’s creative momentum at a time when Lighthouse was redefining the scope of progressive rock. In recognition of their lasting impact on Canadian music, Skip Prokop, Paul Hoffert, Ralph Cole and Bob McBride were inducted into the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2022. The following year, Lighthouse was added to Canada’s Walk of Fame. More than 50 years after their breakthrough, the band continues to tour across the country, with upcoming shows scheduled in Guelph on Feb. 5, Pickering on Feb. 21 alongside the Five Man Electrical Band, and St. Catharines on April 1. Formed in 1969 by Prokop and Hoffert, Lighthouse became known as a “rock orchestra” for its fusion of genres and large ensemble performances. The multi-JUNO Award-winning group earned international acclaim with hits including “One Fine Morning,” “Sunny Days,” “Pretty Lady,” and “Hats Off (To the Stranger).” With One Fine Morning (Anniversary Edition), Lighthouse continues to celebrate its enduring legacy and the timeless energy that first brought its music to audiences more than five decades ago. Follow the band at https://www.lighthouserockson.com/.

Kula Shaker, the psychedelic rock band that once stood apart from Britpop’s swagger with its mystical flair and sitar-laced guitar work, is preparing to release its eighth studio album, Wormslayer, on Jan. 30, 2026. SWOMP caught up with vocalist and guitarist Crispian Mills to discuss the record. The band, still made up of its original lineup of Mills, Alonza Bevan, Paul Winterhart and Jay Darlington, recently marked the announcement with a new single, 'Good Money'. The track blends ’60s psychedelia, soul and funk, while its video takes a decidedly modern turn. “Our last video was all in camera, real stunts, real props and epic battle scenes which people assumed was all AI,” Mills said in a statement. “So we’ve taken a different approach with Good Money. The whole video is entirely AI generated by two monkeys, we gave them the song and the lyrics and this is what they came up with. It’s kind of mind blowing.” Mills said the song is built on a “classic Faustian pact” and forms part of a larger psychedelic opera unfolding across the record. He described the narrative as one about “a boy in a small community, who grows wings and how the local people come to treat him. Some think he's a freak, some think he's a cherub, others cynically see him as an opportunity to make money… Is it a metaphor for the music business? I’d say it’s a metaphor for life.” The upcoming album has already been previewed with 'Charge of the Light Brigade' and 'Broke as Folk', which showcase the band’s trademark harmonies and sweeping technicolour sound. Other tracks explore new territory, including pastoral folk on Dust, gothic crooning on Little Darling, and the cinematic, mantra-driven metal of the title track. “I hope people enjoy the twists and turns that this new record takes you on,” Mills said. “We always loved those psychedelic records that had great songs, great production, great storytelling, and took you on a journey… Kula Shaker has a life of its own. We’re just passengers, watching it happen in real time.” The band says Wormslayer captures its live energy more fully than past releases. Visit https://kulashaker.co.uk/ for more details.

Thunder Queens, one of Canada’s most exciting young rock bands, headline a hometown all-ages show as part of VENUExVENUE 2025, joined by a powerhouse lineup of rising acts. SWOMP caught up with Lola Hayman (drums, vocals), Violet Bruneel (guitar, vocals), and Clara Magnan (bass, vocals) for an interview to discuss the show and their career. Set for Saturday, Nov. 8 at Lazer Quest (149 Carling St.), the bill includes Altered by Mom, Feura and Avro Project, a mix of alt-rock, punk and grunge energy that showcases London’s next wave. "Thunder Queens represent where London’s scene is right now... loud, smart, and undeniable," said Darryl Hurs, founder of Indie Week and VENUExVENUE. "This bill is stacked with artists who are about to level up." The London trio have honed a songwriting style that blends cinematic storytelling with raw melodic power. Their latest single, Birds On A Wire, channels pop-punk urgency into an anthem about breaking free from expectations. "We wrote this song about feeling underestimated and boxed in and the rush that comes with breaking free,” the band said. Formed after meeting under the pinball machines at Call The Office, Thunder Queens have since shared stages with The Beaches, Billy Talent, Metz, Sloan, and OMBIIGIZI, with festival stops at Pop Montreal, Up Here Festival, and Bitchfest. Follow the band at https://www.thunderqueens.com/. Photo credit: Bravo Foto

Folk and Americana band The Unfaithful Servants released their long-awaited second album Fallen Angel on October 17, 2025. Hailed as “Canada’s most exciting Newgrass band” by Seaside Music Festival, the Vancouver Island group has built a reputation for captivating live performances, rich storytelling, and masterful musicianship. Their sound blends elements of bluegrass, traditional folk, and Americana into an energetic and infectious acoustic style that has earned them acclaim across British Columbia and beyond. The band features mandolinist Jesse Cobb, a Grammy-nominated founding member of The Infamous Stringdusters who has shared stages with Béla Fleck and Lee Ann Womack, and singer-songwriter Dylan Stone, a modern troubadour known for performances alongside Keith Urban and Lou Reed. They are joined by fiddle virtuoso Quin Etheridge-Pedden and bassist Mark Johnson. SWOMP caught up with Stone for an interview. The Servants’ 2019 debut, produced by Grammy winner Steve Smith, introduced their dynamic mix of bluegrass, folk, and rock, establishing them as innovators in Canada’s roots scene. With Fallen Angel, the group continues to expand their sound and explore new creative territory while maintaining the high-energy performances that have earned them spots at Vancouver Island MusicFest, Salmon Arm Roots & Blues, and a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination. More information about The Unfaithful Servants and their upcoming release can be found at unfaithfulservants.com.

New Jersey-based alternative/pop-punk band Good Damage released their third single, 'Just Alive,' on October 24 — a soaring, emotionally charged track that cements the band’s knack for blending catchy hooks with heartfelt urgency. SWOMP caught up with the group to talk about the new song and their steady climb in the East Coast alt scene. The members say 'Just Alive' captures the tension between surviving and truly living — a theme that resonates with anyone trying to hold it together in chaotic times. Formed in 2022, Good Damage have quickly built a reputation for their energetic live shows and dynamic sound that draws comparisons to Paramore, while still carving out their own lane through lush harmonies and anthemic choruses. Their previous single 'Better Off Alone' earned praise from indie reviewers and enjoyed rotation on several college and independent radio stations. So far in 2025, Good Damage have shared the stage with southern rock legend and Rock Hall of Fame member Artimus Pyle’s band Pyle Tribe and college radio favourites La Luz at the House of Independents. They’ve also appeared on podcasts including The Yo Show and Kids In The Pit, and performed a live interview on Maryland’s WKHS. The band’s earliest releases — 2023’s 'Forget November' and 2025’s 'Better Off Alone' — were recorded at Sonic Boom Studio in Raritan, N.J., with producer Anthony Krizan. The debut was hailed by The Yo Show host Jeff Porini as "the perfect song," while 'Better Off Alone' continued to build their reputation as one of the most promising young acts in the region. Good Damage have graced stages from The Stone Pony and The Williams Center in New Jersey to The Delancey in New York City, steadily growing a following that bridges nostalgia-driven pop-punk and modern alternative rock. 'Just Alive' is available now on Spotify and YouTube. Follow the band on Instagram, here.

Acclaimed indie folk band Great Lake Swimmers have released their much-anticipated ninth studio album, Caught Light, now available on all major platforms. Alongside the full record, the Toronto-based group shared live footage of “For You To Come Around,” filmed at Odd Fellows Hall in St. Catharines, Ontario. The band, fronted by Tony Dekker, will support the release with a lengthy tour beginning October 15, featuring stops across Canada and the United States. Supporting acts include Elliott Brood, Rita Visser, Justin Wells and Abe Partridge on select dates. Several shows are already sold out or nearing capacity. SWOMP caught up with Dekker for an interview to discuss the album. Dekker says “For You To Come Around” captures a sense of longing and emotional distance. “It’s about being stuck at the station, in a state between being and becoming,” he said. “It’s about the baggage we carry and the emotional lifting it requires for us to endure, and ultimately, it is about loneliness and longing, and the inability to truly know someone.” Recorded over just three days in the Ganaraska Forest between Peterborough and Port Hope, Caught Light was produced by Darcy Yates of Bahamas and engineered by Jimmy Bowskill of Blue Rodeo. The album draws inspiration from early ’70s folk, pop and rock influences such as Gordon Lightfoot and Dory Previn. Dekker described the process as a renewed embrace of simplicity, saying the experience gave him “a newly found zeal for not being precious and being more direct.” Reflecting on the album’s title, Dekker recalled growing up near a rural airstrip in Niagara Region where skydivers would sometimes land unexpectedly in nearby fields. “That was such a powerful image to me as a kid: What happens when you don’t land where you intended, when life blows you off course?” he said. “The phrase ‘caught light’ refers to an unexpected situation where you don't have as much as you thought you wanted or needed.” The album follows several recent singles, including “Youth Not Wasted,” a reflective acoustic track inspired by the Oscar Wilde quote, “youth is wasted on the young.” Americana UK described the song as “immediately nostalgic; it is reminiscence and memory in musical form.” Other highlights include “One More Dance Around The Sun,” currently the number one song on the CBC Music Top 20, and “Wrong Wrong Wrong,” which Dekker described as “about being on the edge, in deep despair.” Over more than two decades, Great Lake Swimmers have built a reputation for their warm, resonant sound and intimate live performances. The band has twice been nominated for Juno Awards, shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize, and hailed by the CBC as “a national treasure.” In early 2026, Great Lake Swimmers will perform an official showcase at Folk Alliance International in New Orleans, followed by additional Canadian tour dates through the spring. More information and tickets are available at greatlakeswimmers.com. Photo credit: Robert Georgeff

Canadian music icon Bif Naked will bring her life story and unmistakable voice to The Royal Theatre on November 12 for a one-night-only event featuring the premiere screening of BIF NAKED: A Documentary, an intimate acoustic performance and a live Q&A. The event begins at 7:30 p.m. (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) and promises a three-hour celebration of one of Canada’s most fearless and influential performers. SWOMP caught up with Bif to discuss the doc. Directed by Pollyanna Hardwicke-Brown, the feature-length documentary traces Bif Naked’s remarkable journey from her beginnings in India and upbringing in Canada to her rise through the underground punk scene of the late ’80s and early ’90s. Featuring rare archival footage, interviews and performance clips, the film explores her evolution as a poet, fighter and rock ’n’ roll trailblazer who has never shied away from telling her truth. Following the screening, Bif will take the stage for a stripped-down acoustic set that highlights the raw emotion and honesty at the heart of her music. The evening will close with a candid audience Q&A, offering fans a chance to connect directly with the artist known for her wit, authenticity and resilience. Appearing in the film are George Stroumboulopoulos, Doug Fury, Chiko Misomali and Peter Karroll, who each help paint a vivid portrait of Bif’s decades-long impact on Canadian music and culture. Tickets are on sale now, with VIP passes priced at $50 plus tax and fees, and standard and accessible tickets at $35. Seating is limited for what organizers describe as an intimate and emotional evening celebrating one of the country’s most enduring cultural figures. The event takes place at The Royal, 608 College Street, Toronto. Get you tickets, here.

After more than 25 years together, Finger Eleven are hitting a vibrant new peak. SWOMP spoke with lead singer Scott Anderson about the band’s long-awaited return and the making of their first studio album in a decade, Last Night On Earth, set for release November 7 through Better Noise Music. Energized by the momentum of their 2024 North American tour, the JUNO Award-winning, multi-platinum rockers are entering a new era—one that bridges generations of fans. Last year’s tour introduced Finger Eleven to a new audience while reigniting their connection with longtime followers, paving the way for a string of hits including “Adrenaline” and “Blue Sky Mystery” featuring Filter’s Richard Patrick. Both tracks climbed the charts, with “Blue Sky Mystery” reaching the Top 10 on Billboard Canada’s Mainstream Rock chart. The album’s title track, released recently with an accompanying video, nearly slipped through the cracks. During a final late-night studio session, drummer Steve Molella suggested recording an acoustic “campfire-style” version—and it clicked. “On that track, Scott wrote some of my favourite lyrics,” Molella said. “It was the most natural the song has ever sounded.” Anderson says “Last Night On Earth” reflects the emotional turbulence of relationships falling apart. “I think it could be placed squarely in a traditional relationship frame where you forget what you're even fighting about,” he said. “But you hate that feeling in the pit of your stomach when something’s not resolved and you don’t know what tomorrow’s gonna look like.” Following a busy summer of festival appearances, the Burlington-born band will hit the road again this fall, first touring the U.S. with Alien Ant Farm and Brkn Love, before launching their biggest-ever Canadian tour with Headstones and The Tea Party beginning November 25 in Penticton, B.C. Finger Eleven — Anderson, James Black, Rick Jackett, Sean Anderson, and Molella — remain one of Canada’s most successful rock exports. Their career includes platinum records, chart-topping singles, and international acclaim for hits such as “Paralyzer.” The band reignited their creative spark in 2023 with a Greatest Hits collection that featured the radio smash “Together Right,” which spent five weeks at No. 1. With Last Night On Earth, Finger Eleven are once again proving their staying power, blending raw emotion, melodic grit, and the seasoned chemistry that has defined them for more than two decades. For tour dates and updates, visit fingereleven.com. Photo credit: Myles Erfurth

Canadian country artists Antonio Larosa and Taylor-Rae have joined forces on a soaring new duet, Hearts Don’t Break, released on October 10, 2025. The emotional track, co-written with award-winning songwriter David Borys, captures the fragile moment between love fading and letting go — a theme both singers say hit close to home. In an interview with SWOMP, the pair discuss the new track. “I’ve always admired Taylor-Rae’s voice because it has the kind of power and emotion that makes a ballad soar,” Larosa said. “The song is about two people who both know the love is gone but they are still hanging on, stuck in something that is no longer real love. It captures that painful space between holding on and letting go. When we played it live on tour, the reaction was incredible, so we knew we had to record it.” Built around aching guitar lines and dynamic vocal interplay, Hearts Don’t Break unfolds like a cinematic slow burn. The production mirrors the emotional unraveling at its core — two voices circling each other in harmony and heartbreak. Taylor-Rae said the song came together naturally in the writing room with Larosa and Borys. “Hearts Don’t Break is a song that digs into wanting to make a relationship work and hanging onto it, to the point where you're just hurting each other,” she said. “Sometimes something isn't the right fit, even though you might wish it was. I was so excited to team up with Antonio on this track because of how incredible of a vocalist and storyteller he is. This song came together really organically and I feel super lucky to be a part of it.” The single bridges the grit of classic country and the polish of modern Nashville, blending Larosa’s soulful edge with Taylor-Rae’s powerhouse range. Together, they deliver a duet that feels both timeless and contemporary — the kind of heartbreak song that lingers long after the last note fades. Larosa, a Vancouver-born country rock artist, has built a reputation on the road with raw, blues-infused performances and introspective songwriting. Twice named Roots Artist of the Year by the BC Country Music Association, he’s become one of the most distinctive voices in Canada’s independent country scene. Taylor-Rae, originally from Alberta, has carved her own path with a string of streaming successes and editorial playlist features. Her breakout single Are You Still Up has surpassed 1.5 million streams, while her latest track I Can’t landed her the cover of Amazon Music’s Breakthrough Country playlist. Follow Larosa at https://www.antoniolarosamusic.com/. Follow Taylor-Rae at https://taylorraeofficial.com/.

Multi-award-winning country group Hunter Brothers will bring their signature harmonies and high-energy performance to Chatham next month as part of the second leg of their 'Homegrown Nights 2025 Tour'. The band will take the stage at the Kiwanis Theatre on Nov. 7 with special guest Dayna Reid. SWOMP caught up with Ty Hunter to discuss the show, the overall tour and the career of the band. The tour expansion coincides with the release of the group’s new single 'All Kinds of Country', featuring Lathan Warlick, out now via Open Road Recordings. The track serves as the title song from their upcoming six-track EP, All Kinds of Country, arriving the same day as the Chatham show. Anchored in soaring harmonies and modern production, All Kinds of Country celebrates the wide range of people and sounds that make up the genre. “There seems to be a big debate these days about what defines country,” said Ty Hunter. “At the end of the day, it should be something that brings us together. It’s not just about the music—it’s about a way of life, everyone being welcome at the table.” The collaboration with genre-blending artist Lathan Warlick underscores that message, combining the brothers’ vocal chemistry with Warlick’s soulful, rhythmic delivery. The song is both a reflection of inclusivity and a showcase of the group’s evolving sound. The forthcoming EP, recorded during a recent creative trip to Nashville, balances the band’s roots with fresh directions, featuring collaborations with artists like Shantaia and weaving in their Scottish heritage on 'Keep on Truckin'. “These songs are meant to lift your spirits and keep your day moving forward,” Ty added. Known for their engaging stage presence and down-to-earth storytelling, the five brothers—J.J., Dusty, Luke, Brock, and Ty—have built a loyal fan base across Canada. Hailing from a farm in southern Saskatchewan, the Hunter Brothers have earned over 90 million streams and multiple chart-topping singles, combining music, family, and faith into every performance. Tickets for the Chatham show are available through www.cktickets.com. For more information on Hunter Brothers, their music, and full tour dates, visit www.hunterbrothers.com.

Canadian songwriter, producer and performer Eddie Schwartz — best known for penning Pat Benatar’s 1980 hit 'Hit Me With Your Best Shot' — is stepping out from behind the scenes with his own full-length studio release Film School, arriving November 12, 2025. SWOMP caught up with Schwartz to discuss the project and his career. Schwartz, whose songs have been recorded by artists including Carly Simon, Joe Cocker, America, Donna Summer and Rascal Flatts, says the project marks both a creative renewal and a personal reckoning. “It’s a difficult time right now and I freely admit to struggling with how to cope with the daily insanity,” Schwartz said of the current climate that inspired his new material. “The moment of writing ‘We Win’ was profound for me because I found a way to a more hopeful place that helped with anger, sadness and bewilderment at how we got here.” After years of burnout from Nashville’s rigorous co-writing culture, Schwartz said writing We Win broke a long creative drought. “The blank page stayed blank for a long time,” he said. “My struggle to process the world at this moment in time and muster some resolve was what propelled me back in the writing mindset.” The track features slide guitar by Roger Moutenot and backing vocals by country music legend Robert Ellis Orrall. Critics have praised its optimism and emotional depth, with Cashbox calling it “one of those songs that makes me remember why I got into the music industry in the first place.” Film School features six songs that Schwartz describes as “short stories or films” connected by themes of perseverance and humanity. From the introspective Outbound Train to the reflective Special Girl and the waltzing You Don’t Belong, the album blends craftsmanship and storytelling in the tradition of his earlier work. “For me, the people in the songs face challenges and find ways to deal with those challenges and move forward with their lives,” he said. “I hadn’t written a song in quite a few years before Film School, so I had to relearn how to do it – I was back in school in a way.” A Member of the Order of Canada and the Canadian Songwriters Hall of Fame, Schwartz has also been a tireless advocate for creators’ rights, serving as president of the International Council of Music Creators from 2017 to 2023. “For the vast majority of individual artists and songwriters, the business is much, much harder than it was in the day of vinyl, CDs and even downloads,” he said. “Millions and millions of streams do not support a career, and that’s tragic.” With Film School, Schwartz finds new footing as both storyteller and survivor — a veteran artist proving that, even decades after writing one of rock’s most enduring anthems, he still has plenty left to say. Film School will be released independently on CD November 12, 2025. Follow Eddie at https://www.eddieschwartzmusic.com/.

Canadian rock band Sloan have released their fourteenth studio album, Based on the Best Seller, available now via murderecords / Known Accomplice. The JUNO Award-winning quartet continues its tradition of creative equality and timeless power-pop craftsmanship with a collection that blends diverse songwriting voices into one unmistakably Sloan sound. SWOMP caught up with guitarist Patrick Pentland to discuss the album. “It's not a challenge to make a 14th album, but sometimes it's a challenge to think of a new overarching theme or a way to present a 14th album,” said Jay Ferguson. “Our band has the capability to perform different styles within the rock-pop sphere, but it's often hard to harness the group to adhere to one particular style or theme. That's okay though. With four songwriters, we tend to make music that perhaps doesn't always naturally hang together under one (opened) umbrella but that's our style, and that style is continued on Based on the Best Seller.” The record was previewed earlier this year with the melodic single “Live Forever,” co-produced by the band and long-time collaborator Ryan Haslett. The harmony-rich track explores the humorous and bittersweet sides of immortality through Sloan’s signature pop sensibility. The follow-up single “Dream Destroyer,” now at radio, features fuzzed-out guitars and infectious hooks. “Combining my/our love of glam, shoegaze, and power pop, the song is an ode to lost love, past mistakes, and the recklessness that has been the blueprint of my life, for better or worse,” Pentland said. “Worse in terms of relationships, better in terms of fodder for hit songs. A door slams shut, a window smashes open.” Last month’s release, “No Damn Fears,” brings a different energy. Sung by Andrew Scott, the track fuses garage grit with poetic surrealism and protest spirit. More than three decades into their career, Sloan remain one of Canada’s most influential and enduring bands. Known for their democratic approach—with each member contributing as singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist—the Halifax-born group continues to evolve while staying true to their roots. Sloan will support the album with their cross-country “Tour de Force” which began October 16 in Sudbury, with stops across Ontario, the Maritimes, Western Canada and Quebec through spring 2026. For more information, visit www.sloanmusic.com. Photo credit: Calm Elliott-Armstrong

St. John's, Newfoundland artist Rachel Cousins has released her third studio album, What Hasn’t Killed Me, out October 10, 2025. SWOMP caught up with Cousins on release day to discuss the record. Known for her soaring vocals and polished pop sound, the Newfoundland-born singer-songwriter takes a bold new turn with this project, stepping away from pop precision to embrace the more fluid and reflective territory of Adult Contemporary. The nine-track album explores the turbulence and grace of growing into adulthood, weaving together elements of folk intimacy, alternative grit, and pop sensibility. A six-time MusicNL winner with two East Coast Music Award nominations, Cousins has become one of Atlantic Canada’s most promising voices. Her songs have been streamed more than 600,000 times and featured in television series including Wynonna Earp, Hudson & Rex, and The Wedding Planners. She has also shared the stage with artists such as Alan Doyle, Serena Ryder, the Beaches, and GRAMMY winner K’NAAN. Beyond her musical success, Cousins has earned respect for her openness about mental health and recovery, speaking candidly about her experiences both in her music and in community settings. Created in partnership with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Greg Wells, whose credits include Taylor Swift and John Legend, What Hasn’t Killed Me marks a creative breakthrough. “Songs started pouring out of me. What used to take days came in under an hour. For the first time in years, I felt free. Greg saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself,” Cousins said. The album’s focus track, “Little Help,” co-written with musician Darcy Scott, captures the courage it takes to ask for support when struggling. Built around guitar and raw vocals, the track explores the tension between appearing composed and feeling lost inside. Previous singles, including “Nora,” “To Fail,” “As A Girl,” and “Standing Still,” reveal the album’s emotional range — from the comfort of lasting friendship to the fear of failure and the strength found in womanhood and self-acceptance. Cousins will celebrate the release of What Hasn’t Killed Me with a hometown show at The Ship in St. John’s on October 17, following a performance during Music Day in Canada on September 27. She will also appear at the Come Together Showcase in Toronto on November 25 and 26. Follow Rachel at https://www.rachelcousinsmusic.com/. Photo Credit: Hilda Cousins