Following the success of their multi-Grammy-nominated album, God Shuffled His Feet, which was released 25 years ago, the Crash Test Dummies from Winnipeg embarked on an anniversary tour. The overwhelmingly positive reception of their tour led them to return to the road in 2022 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of their debut LP, The Ghosts That Haunt Me. While on tour in recent years, the band has been told various personal stories by their fans, ranging from dark to funny, which have inspired the band to start writing music again.

Their new single, “Sacred Alphabet,” is a stunning revelation that captures a feeling of awe. The instrumentation is minimalistic, incorporating “spectral” sounds and a choir made entirely of member Ellen Reid’s voice. “Sacred Alphabet” explores the metaphor of sound and symbol, imagining a world before the existence of subject, object, verb, or tense where sound had not yet been enslaved by meaning.

Le Couleur, a Montreal-based trio consisting of Laurence Giroux-Do, Patrick Gosselin, and Steven Chouinard, gained recognition for their glitzy electro pop sound, reminiscent of Studio 54, with their early releases including 2013’s Voyage Love EP, 2015’s Dolce Désir, and their debut full-length album P.O.P in 2016. After sharing a stage with Giorgio Moroder, the band took his advice and incorporated vintage influences such as 70s eroticism, psychedelia, disco, yéyé, and French chanson into their second album, Concorde, released in 2020.

Le Couleur’s latest single, “Sentiments nouveaux,” showcases their signature sound with sleek, polished production and languorous beats featuring layers of shimmering synth arpeggios and thumping bass. The song also features sultry vocals in both French and English, a Tame Impala-like guitar solo, and razor-sharp hooks that are sure to captivate audiences. The track exudes an 80s synth pop vibe and brings to mind acts like Nu Shooz.

“Sentiments nouveaux” is a teaser for Le Couleur’s upcoming album, set for release in the fall. With their infectious blend of vintage and modern sounds, the trio is sure to continue to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression in the pop music scene.

The Oscars viewership was similar to last year, with around 16 million viewers tuning in, making it the second-lowest rated telecast.

The Oscars ratings have been a topic of much discussion and scrutiny over the years, as the annual ceremony is one of the most-watched televised events in the world. However, in recent years, the ratings for the show have been on a decline, leading many to question the reasons behind this trend.

One of the factors that have contributed to the decline in ratings is the changing viewing habits of audiences. With the rise of streaming services and the proliferation of on-demand content, viewers have more options than ever before, which has led to a fragmentation of the audience. Additionally, many people have become disenchanted with the Oscars due to the lack of diversity and inclusion in the nominees and winners, which has led to boycotts and protests. CONTINUE READING

Zoey Lily has recently released her third single ‘Home‘, from the upcoming EP ‘Too Many Nights’, set to be released in May. The track’s moody, vibey and introspective nature will resonate with listeners looking for something with a touch of sadness. You can watch the music video here.

With a flourishing start to her music career, including being named BBC Introducing London’s ‘Artist of the Week’ and participating in the Tommy Jeans ‘Music Takes us Further’ campaign, Zoey Lily’s continues to soar. She has also headlined shows at prestigious venues such as O2 Islington and The Waiting Room, as well as performing for BBC Introducing’s ‘Summer By The River’ event.

Growing up between London and southern France, Zoey Lily’s multicultural background, combined with her mother’s fashion design and her father’s role as a live music agent, has influenced her creative instincts. As a result, she has become a self-reliant and innovative songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist and producer, with a natural inclination towards various forms of art, including painting, dancing, poetry and classical music.

Nikki White, a Canadian singer and songwriter, describes her music as having a dark pop sound with a message, and her latest single, “Fairweather Friends,” is no exception. The song was written in collaboration with Jordyn Kane and Aaron Blackmar during a session in Los Angeles, where White was inspired by the phrase “fairweather friends” from a conversation with her boyfriend. The accompanying music video was directed by Alexander Sworik and was shot in White’s hometown with a loose plan and lots of energy. White draws inspiration from female musicians such as Joan Jett, Pat Benatar, Debbie Harry, and Amy Winehouse, and hopes that her music will help break down stigmas surrounding mental health issues. White has also supported several non-profit organizations, including NEDA, Project Heal, Women for Women International, Eating Disorder Foundation of Canada, and Hopes Garden. Throughout 2023, White plans to release more singles in the coming months.