New Music Spotlight with Jonas Brothers, Arkells, Dean Brody, and More

New Music from Jonas Brothers, Neon Bloom, Dean Brody, Tom Boy, and Arkells

The New Music Spotlight is back with five artists who’ve put out new videos this week.

In this edition of the New Music Spotlight, I’m bringing you pop, rock, garage rock/synth, and country music from Canada and the United States.

I’ve gone a little rogue and included 6 tracks from Arkells. Recorded during the sold-out Toronto Bud Stage appearance, they were all released on Wednesday, August 14th. You’re welcome!

Let’s do this!

Artist: Jonas Brothers
Hometown: Wyckoff, NJ
Genre: Pop/Rock
Related: DNCE, Nick Jonas, Jessie McCartney
Song: Only Human
Notes: These guys are on fire. Their latest release is the third track on Happiness Begins, and also the third single on their (currently) gold record. The video is another throwback (see Cool) and, it’s full of nostalgia. I loved the nod to Coors Light, and if you’re a fan, you’ll know what’s up.

The tune is catchy, and yes, I’m completely enthralled by the grown-up Jonas Brothers. If this isn’t enough Jonas for you, you can check out their video for Cool here, and their video from the Billboard Music Awards, including Sucker here.

Links: Web / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Spotify / Apple

Artist: Neon Bloom
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Genre: garage rock/synth
Related: St. Vincent
Song: Lighten Up
Notes: Neon Bloom is Jen Simpson on lead vocals, Fred Yurichuk bassist/guitarist, Simon Chow guitarist/keyboardist, and drummer/keyboardist Chris Romano,

The video for Lighten Up was shot during the band’s tour of Taiwan. Blending live performance clips, with shots of scenery and the band members playing around for the camera.

Like what you see and hear? The band has two dates coming up, Sunday, September 8 at the Monarch Tavern, and Saturday, September 14 at Adelaide Hall.

Links: Web / Facebook / Instagram / Spotify

Artist: Dean Brody
Hometown: Jaffray, BC
Genre: Country
Related: Emerson Drive, High Valley
Song: Black Sheep
Notes: The latest release from one of Canada’s favourite country music singers, Black Sheep is classic Dean Brody. Fans will find everything they’re looking for with this tune. The new track is the third single from his EP, Black Sheep, which was released digitally in April. Copies of the physical EP will be available on August 30.

Dean is headed out on tour with Dallas Smith this fall with special guests Chad Brownlee and MacKenzie Porter. You can find tour dates and ticket info here.

Links: Web / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Spotify / Apple

Artist: Tom Boy
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Genre: Wastecase Pop
Related: Cairo,
Song: Wastecase
Notes: Who are Tom Boy? Nate Daniels and Dante Berardi Jr. is the easy answer. You may recognize their name, or their sound from their past project with Cairo. I love this video and their sound.

“Tom Boy – the duo’s new project – promises an edgier, in-your-face version of their dark side. The new tracks are pointed with hooky, washed-out guitar riffs, bass-heavy synth, and cheeky lyrics that reflect the personal struggles the two have had in their careers the last few years.”

Links: Web / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Spotify

Artist: Arkells
Hometown: Hamilton, ON
Genre: Rock
Related: Sam Roberts Band, Frank Turner, Hey Rosetta!
Song: Hand Me Downs (A Rally Cry Summer Night)
Notes: I’m going to do something a little different today and include six songs for a single band. They were all released on August 14th, and I think you need to watch them all. We were in attendance at the Budweiser Stage for the sold-out Rally Cry Tour show, and while these videos capture much of the feeling, there’s nothing like being at a live Arkells show.

I’m thrilled to be able to deliver all of these for our New Music Spotlight.

Links: Web / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Spotify / Apple

Song: Eyes on the Prize (A Rally Cry Summer Night)

Song: Relentless (A Rally Cry Summer Night)

Song: Proud Mary (A Rally Cry Summer Night)

Song: Signed, Sealed, Delivered (A Rally Cry Summer Night)

Song: Show Me Don’t Tell Me (A Rally Cry Summer Night)

Author profile

Trish Cassling

Writer/Photographer/Editor

Toronto Music Blogger