Interviews, Love at First Listen, Music, Music Monday

Love at First Listen with Alex Porat

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Alex Porat Interview

We all have those artists and songs we hear that strike the right chord and make us fall in love at first listen. They’re the reason we refresh social media pages, tour schedules and Spotify profiles — because we can’t miss a single release. This is Love at First Listen — a new series introducing you to the emerging, and established, artists with new music guaranteed to upgrade your playlist.

News flash: it’s Alex Porat’s world, we’re just living in it. With a fresh pop sound and highly-relatable (not to mention viral!) songs about love, life, and exploring your identity, it’s no surprise this 23-year-old, Toronto-based singer-songwriter has quickly attracted over 708,000 monthly listeners on Spotify alongside global critical acclaim.

Last month, Alex gave us exactly what we needed with her repeat-worthy debut album ‘MISS SICK WORLD.’ Songs like “dimension” perfectly capture the feeling of irresistible lust over someone you can’t have, while the sassy “never say ily again” serves as a final farewell to an ex you have no idea why you liked in the first place. 

With a new album comes a new tour and, luckily, fans don’t have to wait long — Alex is days away from heading out on the road with management-mate Ralph for a cross-Canada tour sure to be stopping in a city near you.

Get a behind the scenes look at Alex’s journey as we chat ‘MISS SICK WORLD,’ what you can expect from her live show, and her favourite music releases from 2021.

How does it feel to have ‘MISS SICK WORLD’ out for everyone to hear, and how did you know this was the right time to release your first full body of work?

It feels so great. I’m just about to head on tour with Ralph and I really wanted to perform a project that felt like it represented me as an artist first stepping into the world of live shows. I’m kind of treating it like a first impression or introduction to me as a musician.

What inspired the album title? Does it correlate with any overall narrative or themes the album explores?

The album title came from the track “miss sick world.” I left it last to release because I wanted it to set the overall tone of where I’m at now. The whole project is centred around my life and the story behind “miss sick world” is a commentary on how I’ve grown up navigating my identity. I’ve really struggled with my identity growing up, and it felt right to give such a heavy song it’s own moment on the project.

This era of your career has led to multiple milestones — booking a cross-country tour, landing a billboard in Yonge-Dundas Square, and, most recently, reaching one million subscribers on YouTube. What would young Alex Porat, who wrote music and recorded covers in her bedroom, say to the now 23-year-old Alex Porat?

I’m always in disbelief. It still never feels real to me and I always wonder if that feeling is going to stay. I can’t explain how appreciative I am to everyone. I think young Alex would probably ask me how this even all happened. When I was younger, I used to be able to picture myself on stage, singing, and recording music, but I could never picture what it took to get there. It really was just perseverance. Now, I’m realizing there’s still so much more left to accomplish and do. It makes me feel hopeful for the future because I feel like I can do so much more still.

One of your earliest endorsements was from Shawn Mendes, who loved your cover of his song “In My Blood.” Considering Shawn also rose to fame posting covers online, what does it mean to you to be part of the next wave of GTA artists making it big?

It’s an honour to be considered that, so thank you! I’m super proud to be from here and to be a part of the music community here has been so special. Despite there being so much talent, it’s a really tight community and very supportive. It was definitely a special moment for me getting that recognition from Shawn Mendes because it made me feel like a career in music was possible.

You recently said performing live was one of your biggest goals. Now that you’re about to go on tour and bring your songs to life for the first time on stage, which tracks are you most excited to perform?

I’m so excited! I’m definitely still in the process of adding more elements to my performances. I’m really excited for “dimension” because there’s a lot of choreography from the music video that I want to incorporate in some way at some point. I also really love singing “miss sick world,” even though it makes me want to cry.

It’s wild to think that we’re already approaching the end of 2021. Can you share some of the albums that you loved at first listen this year?

‘Happier Than Ever’ by Billie Eilish and ‘MONTERO’ by Lil Nas X. I’m also obsessed with everything Lisa from BLACKPINK does!

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Interviews, Love at First Listen, Music

Love at First Listen with Michelle Treacy

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Michelle Treacy New Music

We all have those artists and songs we hear that strike the right chord and make us fall in love at first listen. They’re the reason we refresh social media pages, tour schedules and Spotify profiles — because we can’t miss a single release. This is Love at First Listen — a new series introducing you to the emerging, and established, artists with new music guaranteed to upgrade your playlist.

Stop what you’re doing and get ready for one last summer dance party. After a half-year hiatus, Michelle Treacy, the Canadian singer-songwriter who was launched to stardom on CTV’s The Launch, is rocking her way back onto our playlists with her aptly titled EP ‘High Heels in the Moshpit.’ It’s groovy, retro, and everything you could wish for in your next favourite record.

For this edition of Love at First Listen, go behind the scenes of Michelle’s experience releasing the EP as we chat about wacky musical universes, “Aha!” moments, and which artists’ concerts are worthy of wearing high heels in the moshpit.

How does it feel to have ‘High Heels in the Moshpit’ out in the world for everyone to hear (and play on repeat)?

This is the first time I’ve felt happy and sad about putting music out into the world. This is my baby and the first time I am in the exact place I want to be. I love this music and I love the person I have become. This is only just the beginning of this wacky universe. Get ready for more!

We last spoke just under a year ago. How has your sound and approach to music changed since then?

When we last spoke, I decided 2020 would be my year to feel sad and that 2021 would be the comeback year. I have spent my time during quarantine experimenting, crying, getting therapy, eating my feelings, and crying some more… until I finally had an “Aha!” moment where I knew exactly what I needed to do next. I just needed to be fully comfortable as myself and create music that had as big of a personality as I do — and here we are. I have a team of people around me who have believed in me even when I couldn’t see it for myself. I couldn’t have gotten here without them.

You wrote on Instagram that you’ve “never felt so passionate about a project before.” Why do you think that is? Were you able to touch on any subjects you’ve never written about before?

To be honest, my producer had been begging me to dive into this sound for five years. For the first time ever, I truly felt like myself while recording. I didn’t judge myself. I wrote what felt right. There was no agenda other than to have fun. The persona is me, as raw and fun as can be. The main theme is losing inhibitions and resisting the urge to self censor. If I thought a lyric would elicit the reaction “wait…did she really say that?” then we left it in!

You spent release night on a Zoom call with your fans. Why was it important to you to share that special moment with them?

My fans mean everything to me. They’re the reason for everything, which is why celebrating with my biggest supporters is the only way to release a record, even if it means doing it on Zoom. I am forever grateful to have such amazing and unconditional support. 

Now that concerts are slowly coming back, who is the first person you hope to see live wearing your high heels in the moshpit?

I got to see the Arkells live and I CRIED. Being back at a show felt so good. The next concert I’m going to is Finneas and I can’t wait.

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Interviews, Love at First Listen, Music, New Music Friday

Love at First Listen with Felix Cartal

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Love at First Listen - Felix Cartal

We all have those artists and songs we hear that strike the right chord and make us fall in love at first listen. They’re the reason we refresh social media pages, tour schedules and Spotify profiles — because we can’t miss a single release. This is Love at First Listen — a new series introducing you to the emerging, and established, artists with new music guaranteed to upgrade your playlist.

In need of a summer soundtrack? Press play and turn up your speakers for Vancouver-based producer Felix Cartal’s latest release, ‘Expensive Sounds for Nice People.’ The 16-track album is a musical journey through the high-highs and low-lows of life, love and everything in between, and it features some of Felix’s famous friends like pop vocalists Karen Harding, Lights and Kiiara. Whether you listen from start to finish as recommended or join midway through the party, it’s guaranteed you’ll be on the dance floor ASAP.

Fall in love at first listen with Felix’s new album below and read our chat about release week emotions, “expensive sounds,” and how making TikToks compares to making music.

‘Expensive Sounds for Nice People’ is officially out! How are you feeling?

I’m excited and relieved at the same time — and slightly anxious because putting new stuff out is always a little bit stressful. But ultimately I’m happy it’s out in the world and I can enjoy it and also move on!

This album has been three years in the making. Was there any point where you wanted to scrap everything and change direction, or did that mix of stories and emotions shape the final tracklisting?

I have written and scrapped an entire album, so I’m trying not to do that ever again because that was insane. I had the bulk of this done in the first two years and then as the pandemic happened I had extra time to refine things. For me, I mostly just care about consistency because growing up in the late ‘90s, early 2000s musical climate, I didn’t like albums where one song was ‘the song’ and then the rest of it felt thrown together. Hopefully when people listen to my music from front to back they can hear that I thought about these songs being in this order and it’s enjoyable for them.

What inspired the album title and what makes an “expensive sound”?

I feel very fortunate that I get to do music as my job and I’ve gotten to do it since almost 2007, which blows my mind to this day. And to me that’s like, okay, so what allows me to do that? I think it’s so much the people that share my music and are cheerleaders for it. That means so much to me, so I think those are the Nice People and they’re the ones that make my music feel expensive and give it value. This album is definitely a thank you to the people who like my stuff — and the title also just sounds kind of cheeky.

When ‘Next Season’ came out, I asked you this same question. Is there a line on ‘Expensive Sounds for Nice People’ that stands out to you?

I love working with Ofelia K and I think she is one of the most underrated lyricists in the industry. I kind of work with her once in every chapter of my life and I love all the lyrics in the song we did this time, “Old Self.” I especially like the line, “If I told my old self it’ll be okay, would I be better?” I think it’s a really interesting way to think about enjoying the journey a bit more, not always being so stressed about what the next step is and just kind of going along with it, and I think it’s an interesting take on telling your younger self about this.

You seem to have found a new creative outlet in TikTok, especially with your now viral “Banned from the Gucci Store” remix. How has your experience been?

I kind of approach it the way I would make a song. I don’t have a plan; I’m just treating it like the spontaneous, of the moment thing that I think TikTok should be. I also definitely have noticed people going from TikTok to my Instagram or Twitch. On TikTok especially, there’s such a weird mix of people who really know my stuff and then some people who see it and are like, “Who are you?” And I don’t expect people to know who I am, but it’s nice that people will defend me to those people and say, “He makes really good music!”

Speaking of collabs, this album features your JUNO Award-winning single with Lights, “Love Me.” Can fans expect another collab in the future?

We’re always talking about stuff and we both want to do another song at some point, but we’re not going in with anything lined up yet. It would be insane for me if we didn’t do another thing — or even more than one other thing because we have a good friendship going now. I have the utmost respect for her as an artist and we have similar lengths of careers and we’re the same age, so that’s what we’ve gelled over a lot — just knowing the industry and some of its bullshit that we’ve been fighting through for a while. That’s why I love working with her and hanging out with her.

I expect songs from ‘Expensive Sounds for Nice People’ will be on a lot of summer playlists! What new summer singles have you been loving at first listen?

I love the new Gorgon City album that also came out on Friday. I actually toured with one of the guys from Gorgon City way back in the day when he had another project. I love seeing people that have been in the industry for a while or who are my friends win like that, so shout out to Gorgon City. My other artist who I love from a pop side of things is BENEE. I just want to have “Find An Island” on a constant loop every day when it’s hot out. 

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New Music Friday, Playlists

New Music You May Have Missed from April 2021

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Best New Music from April 2021
Every New Music Friday, I’m reminded of how much new music is out there — especially from artists I’ve yet to discover! Join me as I broaden my horizons and my music library with monthly playlists capturing new releases from every genre.

April was stacked with five New Music Fridays, running straight through to the very last day of the month. No surprise, then, that this month’s playlist clocks in at over seven hours, featuring the hottest new releases from Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande (who had a busy month releasing collabs with both Demi and The Weeknd), Majid Jordan and two incredible Olivias — Olivia Rodrigo and Olivia O’Brien.

What are you waiting for?! Grab your headphones or speakers, press play and dive into my selection of tracks you’re sure to love.

* deja vu by Olivia Rodrigo *

Hot off the heels of her mega successful debut solo single “driver’s license,” young songstress Olivia Rodrigo is continuing her reign as one of the most promising new artists of the year with “deja vu.” The infectious pop song is filled with clever shade to a boring ex who couldn’t be bothered to change up his game with his new girl. Repeating date nights and showing her the same shows? Come on, dude! Get 👏 it 👏 together!

While live shows are still a thing of the past (for now), you won’t want to miss Olivia’s highly anticipated BRIT Awards performance May 11, just days ahead of her album’s May 21 release date.

* That’s When (feat. Keith Urban) (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) by Taylor Swift *

Your inner country heart is about to be absolutely thriving! Taylor Swift and Keith Urban’s voices sound enchanting together on this newly released ‘From The Vault’ track featured on Tay’s re-recorded ‘Fearless’ album. It feels like a crime that this song has been under wraps since the original album release in 2008! Better late than never, right?!

* So I Lie by Miguel *

Tell a friend (“or two,” he suggests): R&B mastermind Miguel is back. After re-releasing a trio of three-track EPs tied to his signature Art Dealer Chic moniker, the April release of ‘Art Dealer Chic 4’ gave fans some hints of new material, including standout single “So I Lie.” On the track, which is described as “very much a new beginning” for the singer, Miguel gets introspective and raw singing about “the walls [we] build out of fear of being torn down” and ultimately learning how to rise above, put on a brave face and, eventually, breathe again.

Looking for more Miguel? In an interview with Genius, the star shared he still has hard drives (plural!) filled with unreleased music. I’m certainly looking forward to hearing every last track he’s hiding in the vault! ☺

* Sociopath by Olivia O’Brien *

Singer-songwriter Olivia O’Brien debuted her newest release in a unique way, originally sharing an extended snippet of the song in February on TikTok as part of a quest to have fans select their favourite of two potential singles — the angsty “Sociopath” and anthemic “Bitch Back” — through social media interaction. In the viral battle of the songs, “Sociopath” came out as the winner and was released as a single earlier this month. Although the song gives me Halloween vibes 👻, I know I’ll have it on rotation all year long!

Both “Sociopath” and “Bitch Back” are set to be released on Olivia’s forthcoming sophomore album ‘Episodes,’ which will be released in two parts starting in May.

* Waves of Blue by Majid Jordan *

Whatever you’re listening to right now, pause it! “Waves of Blue,” the latest single from Majid Jordan, is a beauty of a song that sounds equally new and nostalgic and is giving fans renewed hope for an EP or album by the summer. In a statement, the Canadian OVO Sound duo shared, “‘Waves of Blue’ is like staring at the ocean. You’re not in the water, but you’re still getting carried away by its currents.” The track’s title embodies the song’s overall vibe of wanting to love someone and be lost in that love, which is also what you’re guaranteed to feel about this song after just one listen. (I genuinely listened to this song four times in a row writing this paragraph!)

* Save Your Tears (with Ariana Grande) (Remix) by The Weeknd *

You read right: Save your tears because The Weeknd and Ariana Grande, friends and star collaborators, have reunited for the official remix of this ‘After Hours’ fan favourite. This is the pair’s third collab following the 2014 release of “Love Me Harder” and 2020’s ‘positions’ hit “off the table,” and you know what they say—third time’s definitely the charm. Queue up this hit as your go-to post-pandemic karaoke song and join me in manifesting a full-length joint album!

* Dirty Laundry by Parson James and JoJo *

Magic always happens when you work with your best friend. For confirmation, look no further than “Dirty Laundry,” the new instantly repeat-worthy single from singer-songwriter BFFs Parson James and JoJo. “THIS SONG LIVES RENT FREE IN MY BRAIN,” JoJo tweeted — and I’m 100% on board. I only wish it was longer!

https://www.instagram.com/p/COTWeTMjJ3A/

Album of the Month: Phoenix by Charlotte Cardin

“I had to burn everything that I was / Just to come back like a phoenix,” sings Montreal-based artist Charlotte Cardin on the opening track of her debut album. Well worth the wait, ‘Phoenix’ is a beautiful 45-minute journey through the singer-songwriter’s five-year artistic journey in bringing the album to life. Touching on themes like love, lust, heartbreak and self discovery, Charlotte delivers it all: sassy bops like “Passive Aggressive,” groovy pop tunes like “Meaningless” and “Daddy,” plus signature ballads including the standout track “Anyone Who Loves Me,” which is just begging to be performed live.

Luckily, you can solidify your love for the album—and satisfy your live event craving—with The Phoenix Experience, Charlotte’s intricate virtual show which is available to watch on demand via Moment House until May 3 at 11AM EDT.

New Artist of the Month: NEW CITY

If you think you know NEW CITY, think again. It’s time to get reacquainted with the Canadian indie pop trio, back this month after a two-year hiatus with a fresh sound and a fresh face courtesy of new band member Chase Ellestad. “Losing My Mind” is as hypnotizing and catchy as the lyric video above suggests. Get ready to put this song at the top of your spring/summer playlist, and look out for much more music from the guys later this year!

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Interviews, Love at First Listen, Music, Music Monday

Love at First Listen with QUIETLOVE

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Love at First Listen - QUIETLOVE

We all have those artists and songs we hear that strike the right chord and make us fall in love at first listen. They’re the reason we refresh social media pages, tour schedules (virtually, for now) and Spotify profiles — because we can’t miss a single release.

This is Love at First Listen — a new series introducing you to the emerging, and established, artists with new music guaranteed to upgrade your playlist.

Welcome to the world of QUIETLOVE, a new project fronted by Canadian singer-songwriter Brendan DiStefano. You may recognize Brendan from his previous solo releases or as the lead singer of indie-pop trio Navigate the Sky. After four years of behind-the-scenes planning, QUIETLOVE represents a name and identity that he says “exactly conveys the right tone” for the alt-pop music he’s been writing.

Get ready to fall in love at first listen with “The Dream,” QUIETLOVE’s catchy, self written and produced debut single about battling through self-doubt and remembering why you started your journey. Take it from me that this is just the beginning of a very exciting journey ahead for QUIETLOVE!

While you play “The Dream” on repeat, check out my new interview with QUIETLOVE below for the inside scoop on defining ‘the dream,’ the songs he’s loved at first listen, and what’s next.

“The Dream” is your first single as QUIETLOVE. What does this song mean to you, and why did you think it was the perfect song to introduce your new project?

“The Dream” is a very honest song for me. It’s about chasing your dreams and the harsh realities that sometimes come along with doing so. I felt the message was relatable to my peers, and I knew it had to be the first single to establish who I am. I hope someone hears it and it helps them through their own battles.

Where were you the first time you heard the final track and what was your reaction?

I’ll never forget. I was on the TTC in Toronto and I received the first mix to my email from my mixing engineer, Jack. I remember riding around the city and listening for the first time with an ear-to-ear smile. It was definitely a memorable moment for me.

Inquiring minds want to know: What exactly is “the dream”?

I honestly think it varies for everyone. Whatever you define as success to yourself, is the truth to you. To me, ‘the dream’ would be making music for the rest of my life and living comfortably doing so.

For fans who have followed you throughout the years, how would you describe your sonic evolution?

It’s tough to describe. I’d say the songs lyrically have gotten more and more personal, closer to the heart. Sonically, a year or two ago now, the band and I started producing ourselves, which I think really helped find an authentic sound.

How do you plan to continue, or even integrate your releases as QUIETLOVE with and/or alongside the work you’re doing with your band, Navigate the Sky?

I think it’s a fun way to keep the creative energy flowing, whether I’m writing as QUIETLOVE or with the boys. I really look up to bands like The Maine and Alexisonfire where they’ve managed to steadily release songs over multiple projects or side projects. As a listener or fan, you’ll always have new content to consume.

Music has been a close friend to so many of us over the past year. Can you share some of the artists or “quarantine anthems” that you simply had no choice but to love at first listen?

Oh, too many to count. I recently discovered a local Toronto-based artist, Verzache, who produces himself and is very DIY as well. Check out his song called “Think About It.” He’s definitely one to watch blow up over the next year or so — mark my words. Also, “Listerine” by Dayglow has been on repeat the last month or so.

What’s next for QUIETLOVE?

More everything. Now that my debut single is out, I feel like I’ve finally established who I am to the world. I’ve still got so much more to say. I’m looking forward to the future of QUIETLOVE. Keep your eyes peeled to my socials for more!

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