At the end of every month, we round up the songs and music videos by Canadians that were in heavy rotation. Throw some headphones on, kick back, and catch up on the gems you might have missed this month.
Un Blonde, “No Fronting”
Montreal songwriter Jean-Sebastien Audet brings lo-fi/high-concept experimental-soul triumphs into the world as Un Blonde. His latest offering, Good Will Come To You, sounds like D’Angelo and Saul Williams mingling with an acoustic Jai Paul. “No Fronting” could be on a constant loop and we’d be satisfied, but even better, there are 20 other formidable tracks on this project that’ll keep the mood right.
EBHONI, “Time”
Babe Rainbow, “(Can’t) Fly Away”
Jessy Lanza, “Never Enough”
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Hamilton, Ontario vocalist/producer Jessy Lanza unleashed her excellent sophomore effort, Oh No, earlier this month, and one of the album’s strongest outings is the bouncy, ‘80s-inspired “Never Enough.” An analog drum machine loop sets the foundation for chorded synth stabs, and a bass pattern that sounds like it was recovered from a time capsule. As if Lanza’s production chops weren’t enough, she also gifts us a catchy vocal hook that splits the difference between Hannah Diamond and Cyndi Lauper.
Kaytranada, “Lite Spots”
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Despite a lengthy wait for Kaytranada’s XL Recordings debut 99.9%, the album exceeded our expectations and has been on repeat all month. Collaborations with Anderson .Paak, Vic Mensa, GoldLink, Craig David, AlunaGeorge, and BADBADNOTGOOD all stand out as defining moments, but the breezy, bass-heavy banger, “Lite Spots,” shines through as 99.9%’s true triumph. Let’s round it up to 100, shall we?
Jammer & Tre Mission, “99%”
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Speaking of near-perfect scores this month, we also saw Toronto grime emcee Tre Mission team up with BBK’s Jammer on “99%.” It’s been a minute since Stigmata won us over, but let’s hope that “99%” and “Gang” are sure signs of more new music to come in 2016.
