Browsing Tag

Ottawa

You don’t feel the Same: JXKR sends our emotions soaring on Stardust (feat. Dani)

Posted on 18 April 2023

Waiting for the moment when a 2nd epicentre connects with so naturally, JXKR wants so much more but senses that it will have to wait for another time on the stunning new single Stardust (feat. Dani).

JXKR is an Ottawa, Ontario-based indie Haitian-Canadian musician/producer who is currently working on the upcoming EP which will be released in the fall.

”My goal is to work with local artists and be a part of the R&B industry in the community.” ~ JXKR

After the underground love given to the debut single Rendez-Vous in 2022, JXKR opens up our feelings for a 2nd time and goodness me, this is special. Vocally tranquil and with unpretentious lyrics about how complicated romance can be sometimes, we find a song to hold hands with when there might not be another sweet kiss.

Stardust (feat. Dani) from Haitian-Canadian musician/producer JXKR is a tale that so many of us have sadly felt before when more is wanted, in a relationship which promised no strings at first. Layed in beauty and soaring with a revealing look into the love life which could have had it all, this is a sterling display from a single with true meaning.

Sometimes, it’s just not meant to be if another heart isn’t quite ready.

Turn this up loud on Spotify.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen

Chris Landry un-reliced roots music in his debut album ‘Marylou’

Posted on 29 November 2022

Chris Landry is a well-known name in the Ottawa music scene; the singer-songwriter and musician has been writing, recording, and touring since the turn of the century. At the start of his accoladed journey, he livened the punk and rock scenes. Now releasing music as a solo artist using his own name as a moniker, he’s delivering roots music entwined with a sense of soul that brings to life his observationally arresting lyricism.

His debut album, Marylou, was officially released on November 8th. The title single is a compellingly contemporary reiteration of country that proves his maturity as a songwriter. After the desert-y bass rumbles in the prelude, on top of the foot-stompin’ percussion, his vocal melodies soar above the pedal steel and organ wails, giving that iconic country sound a new lease of life with the same zeal of Kurt Vile.

Chris Landry’s debut album is now available to stream on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Canadian jazz project THERMO warm us up with the toasty release Betty’s Buns

Posted on 8 November 2022
Birdlike by THERMO

Lifted off their silky smooth 10-track album Birdlike to release all previous worries in the sky, THERMO displays the kind of grace and care needed to appease all nerves on the wonderfully tranquil Betty’s Buns.

THERMO is a Toronto/Ottawa, Canada-based indie jazz project which is melted together so stylishly by Mike Manny and Nathan Hiltz.

”The group was formed during the pandemic thanks to the low latency internet platform Syncspace. This allowed the group to develop, rehearse, and perform music by Freddie Hubbard, Art Blakey, and Oscar Peterson while 600km apart at the speed of fibre optic cable.” ~ THERMO

Reconciling us up from those pesky worries that can hurt your heart, THERMO takes into a better time when everything was slower and happier. Rich is character and showing so much poise and skill, we find ourself floating into amicable waters.

Betty’s Buns from Toronto/Ottawa, Canada-based indie jazz duo THERMO is such a calmingly delightful song which will surely ease many worries away in an instant. Smooth in nature and crowded full of punch, this is absolute delight to listen to and is one of the more mood-changing releases in 2022, without doubt.

Listen up on Bandcamp and see more vibes on IG.

Reviewed by Llewelyn Screen