New Music from Gord Downie and Bob Rock, Avril Lavigne, Virginia to Vegas, Lainey Wilson, and Taylor Austin Dye

The New Music Spotlight is here with a mix of Rock, Pop, and Country in our little list.

We’ve got Canadian legends, up-and-comers, and we think you’re going to get into these songs. That’s why we’re here!

Hit play from start to bottom. Give your favourites a follow. And remember that sharing is caring – so if you really love one (or more) of these songs, tell a friend and tell them to tell a friend, and spread the joy of good tunes.

Ready? Let’s go!

Artist: Gord Downie and Bob Rock
Genre: Rock
Fans Also Like: The Tragically Hip, Hawksley Workman, Sam Roberts Band
Song: The Raven And The Red-Tailed Hawk
Notes: I’ve listened to The Raven And The Red-Tailed Hawk a half dozen times, and I’m ready for a half dozen more. It’s Gord’s voice, taking me back to a time when we still had Gord with us, telling stories and reinforcing that the only way around is through it. I’m grateful for this.

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

Artist: Avril Lavigne
Genre: Pop
Fans Also Like: The Veronicas, Michelle Branch, Kelly Clarkson
Song: Mercury In Retrograde
Notes: 2022 meets the early aughts in Mercury Retrograde. This track would have fit on any of the early Avril we fell in love with, if only Mercury and retrograde as widely known as they are now. It’s fun. Avril is fun. We love fun Avril!

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

Artist: Virginia to Vegas
Genre: Pop
Fans Also Like: Tyler Shaw, Scott Helman, Elijah Woods
Song: break up with that guy.
Notes: If you’re looking for a pop track with a catchy everything, V2V is here with break up with that guy. and delivers for you. If you feel like you wanna dance a little, or groove in your chair, or start singing along before the song is over on your first play, you aren’t alone. Trust me.

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

Artist: Lainey Wilson
Genre: Country
Fans Also Like: Hailey Whitters, Caylee Hammack, Ashley McBride
Song: Smell Like Smoke
Notes: Lainey Wilson is red hot, and Smell Like Smoke is just another one for us to fall in love with while she puts her stamp on country music. It’s a little bit rock, all kinds of country, a little touch of Dolly, and 100% Lainey. It’s Bell Bottom Country, if you weren’t aware – and you’re going to hear a lot more of it. Turn it up!

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

Artist: Taylor Austin Dye
Genre: Country
Fans Also Like: Ashland Craft, Mae Estes, Callie Cash
Song: Damage Control
Notes: 15 seconds into Damage Control, Taylor Austin Dye had memories of Miranda and Gun Powder & Lead, and I’m into that. The track is in your face, at your throat, and makes me want more. I want to hear this live, in a small sweaty club, with Taylor looking out on the crowd and singing to the back of the room with force and conviction. I can already hear it and feel it.

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

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Joshua Murray

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